December 10, 2000, ABS-CBN, Erap to replace sentence of death convicts to life imprisonment,

December 10, 2000, ABS-CBN, Erap to replace sentence of death convicts to life imprisonment, 

BACOLOD CITY, (ABS-CBN)--President Estrada said Sunday he will order the sentence of death convicts replaced to life imprisonment in observance of the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year. 

"On the occasion of the Jubilee Year of the Lord, I will order tomorrow (that) all those who are sentenced to death will all be commuted to life imprisonment," he said.

The President made the announcement at the St. Jude Thaddeus Shrine In Bacolod, where he joined parishioners in praying for national enlightenment, reconciliation and peace.

Earlier, President Estrada ordered the suspension of executions for death row convicts in observance of the jubilee year.

The President also directed the Department of Justice to process the release of 35 communist rebels and 200 political detainees before Christmas.

These include Jose Winnie Bargamento, Joaquin Espares, Armando Ocfemia, Ronnie Rokuni, and Sael Villaespin.

For the Roman Catholic Church, the jubilee, or the Holy Year, is a major religious event. The event is considered a year of forgiveness and punishment due to sin, among others.

During the Mass for national enlightenment, reconciliation and peace, Bacolod Bishop Antonio Fortich asked the President to release political prisoners in the country.

Also, the President asked God for moral strength to endure the "agonizing days" of the impeachment trial, which he said has been quite an ordeal for him and his family.

"Lord, I also pray that you may grant me spiritual guidance and moral fortitude to muster the courage and strength to endure the agonizing days that the impeachment trial brings to me and my family," he said.

According to the President, he is willing to accept his impeachment trial as his personal sacrifice so the Filipino people can understand the current issues better. He also reiterated that he is ready to abide by the results of the trial.

"Tinatanggap ko ang kasalukuyang impeachment trialna ginaganap sa ating Senado bilang isang paraan ng pagsasakripisyo upang maliwanagan ang sambayanan sa mga nangyayari sa ating paligid. Nakahanda rin akong tanggapin at harapin ang magiging resulta nito pagka't ito ay sang-ayon sa ating Saligang Batas. At ako ay naniniwala na sa dakong huli mananaig ang buong katotohanan

(I accept the trial as a sacrifice to let our people understand what is happening. I am ready to accept the outcome of the trial. I believe that the truth will come out in the end)," he said.

But the President lamented that the politicking stemming from this issue has adversely affected the poor instead of uplifting their lives.

He reiterated his appeal to all Filipinos to listen to the real voice of the people instead of to the noise made by a few.

"We pray O Lord for the enlightenment of all Filipinos, for us to be sober, mature and discerning in the midst of the challenges and difficulties we face today as a nation," he said.

The President also prayed that God allow the moves of each Filipino to benefit the economy, and that He disallow moves that would harm the country.

"We pray for moral strength and wisdom to guide our senator-judges, panel lawyers and all those involved in the ongoing impeachment process so that they may come to a fair solution of the case based on the merits of truth," he said.

Mr. Estrada likewise prayed that God help unite the people and heal the country.

"We ask for the virtues of humility and prudence so we may rise above our personal interests and work together for the advancement of our nation and give you the glory," he said.

Also, the President reiterated his appeal to the people to live as persons who give their lives to God and to the service of their fellowmen.

"I believe our country will be a much better and more progressive country if by Christ and the Eucharist we will live as persons who give our lives to God in the service of our fellowmen. Siguro tigilan na muna natin ang mga siraan, ang mga awayan at tayo ay magsama-sama at magtulungan para sa ikabubuti ng lahat ng ating mamamayang lalo na ang ating kababayang mahihirap (Let us stop this muckraking and infighting. Let use help each other for the good of the nation and the people, especially the poor)," he said.