THE PHILIPPINES. 12 DEATH ROW CONVICTS GET 90-DAY REPRIEVE

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo granted 12 death row convicts a 90-day reprieve, rescheduling their date of execution by lethal injection from October to January 2006. In a memorandum to Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and Bureau of Corrections Director Vicente Vinarao Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita notified the two officials of the reprieve given to the 12 death convicts. "We enclose for your information and guidance, certified true copies of the orders of the President, dated September 26, granting reprieve to the convicts," Ermita said in his memorandum. Among those who were granted reprieve were convicted rapist Ireneo Padilla; Renato Dizon, convicted of robbery with rape; and Tomas Marcellana, also convicted for rape. They were originally scheduled for execution on October 3 but the date was moved to January 2, 2006. William Alpe and Fernando Villanueva, both convicted for rape; and Pamfilo Quimson, sentenced to die for multiple murders, were also granted reprieve and the date of their execution moved from October 10 to January 9, 2006. President Arroyo postponed the execution of rapist Pablo Santos; Dindo Pajotal, convicted for robbery with homicide; and Jimmy Jacob, sentenced to die for incestuous rape; from October 17 to January 16, 2006. The President also reset the execution of rape convicts Rodelio Aquino and Geronimo Borromeo from October 24 to January 23, 2006. Juan Cariaga, convicted for rape, was also given a reprieve and his execution originally set for October 26, was rescheduled for January 24, 2006. Since she assumed office, President Arroyo has routinely granted reprieve to death convicts.