The Senate on Wednesday adopted a resolution granting amnesty to former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).The chamber unanimously adopted House Concurrent Resolution No. 20, which concurs with Presidential Proclamation No. 404, with 23-0-0 votes.Senator Francis Tolentino manifested that he supports the measure but will provide an extended explanation on his vote.
Senator Imee Marcos, sister of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. who issued the proclamation granting amnesty to former communist rebels, said she "concur(s) with grave reservations."According to Senator Jinggoy Estrada, sponsor of the measure, the amnesty is granted to rebels who have committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs. This will restore their civil and political rights which they lost or have been suspended due to criminal conviction.However, he stressed that this will not apply to those who were already proscribed or those charged under the Human Security Act of 2007 and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 202