President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo commuted the death...

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo commuted the death sentences of 16 convicts to life imprisonment based on the recommendation of the Department of Justice (DOJ). The order benefited three women, namely, Ruth Mariano, Erly Lignes and Adel Tuangco and 13 men, namely, Zoilo Borromeo, Baliwang Bumindang, Ludigario Candelario Aybro, Locsin Fabon, Kil Patrick Ibero, Benjamin Beltran, Jimmy Masqueda, Francisco Navida, Jose Pajo, Isagani Paraiso, Hector Sale, Cresencio Tabugoca and Sonny Tuangco.
Speaking at a press briefing, Presidential Spokesman Renato Corona said the government is further intensifying its campaign against criminals, and maintained that the presidential decision to commute death sentences will not affect it. He added that government is carefully studying the death sentences on a case-to-case basis.
Eleven of those whose death sentences were commuted were convicted of rape. The others were convicted of kidnap-for-ransom, robbery with homicide, kidnapping and murder.