Safe conduct passes for amnesty seekers backed
SENATE President Pro Tempore Jose Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has expressed support for the recent memorandum order issued by the President authorizing the issuance of safe conduct passes for individuals applying for amnesty.
This development marks a key procedural step in the government’s efforts to operationalize the amnesty program previously approved by Congress.
Estrada said the implementation of the safe conduct pass system signals the beginning of the reintegration process for former rebels and insurgents.
“Having steered in the Senate the concurrence to the presidential proclamations granting amnesty to rebels and insurgents, I am pleased to hear that the process facilitating their safe and lawful reintegration to our society has begun,” Estrada said in an official statement.
The proclamations—issued in 2023—grant amnesty to members of various groups who have committed acts in pursuit of their political beliefs. With the safe conduct pass, applicants can move without the immediate risk of arrest while undergoing the amnesty process.
Estrada emphasized that this initiative reflects the government’s broader peace strategy and highlights the administrative groundwork being laid for long-term stability.
He noted: “The silencing of guns, the end of warfare, and the cessation of hostilities serve as the foundation of lasting peace, prosperity and economic growth.”
Estrada also pointed to the societal dimension of the program: “Bagong buhay at bagong pag-asa para sa mga dating rebolusyunaryo at itinuturing na kalaban ng pamahalaan ang hatid nito.” He described the safe conduct pass as an important step in ending the cycle of violence and conflict between Filipinos on opposing sides of armed struggle.
This policy aligns with Estrada’s long-held advocacy for reconciliation through legal and institutional means. During Senate deliberations, he had publicly endorsed amnesty as a constructive approach to peacebuilding, noting in past remarks: “Amnesty is the best policy.”
Estrada’s latest statement reiterates the Senate’s role in supporting executive actions aimed at fostering national peace and unity, especially through measures grounded in law and public safety protocols.
