"For a former general who faces serious crimes against the Filipino people and who still maintains clout within the military, running for senatorial race is very dangerous. He should, in fact be in a regular civilian jail. Allowing Palparan to run for any position in public office is the height of impunity," Karapatan chairperson Marie Hilao-Enriquez said during the trial of Ret. Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. at the Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 15.
"For a former general who faces serious crimes against the Filipino people and who still maintains clout within the military, running for senatorial race is very dangerous. He should, in fact be in a regular civilian jail. Allowing Palparan to run for any position in public office is the height of impunity," Karapatan chairperson Marie Hilao-Enriquez said during the trial of Ret. Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. at the Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 15.
Palparan, through his counsel, filed in court oral motion to allow him to change the address of his residence, register as a voter, and have his biometrics done in preparation for the 2016 elections. The prosecutors asked the court for 10 days to comment on Palparan’s motion, but the defense bargained for a shorter period because they were after the deadline filing of candidacy.
“That’s how we learned of Palparan’s plan to run for the senate,” said Concepcion Empeno, mother of Karen. "Mahiya naman siya," Mrs. Empeno said. “He thinks he can escape responsibility by seeking a seat in the senate?”
Normally, the prosecution would have been given 10 days to comment on the motion, but the court ordered the prosecution to submit its comment in five days to accommodate Palparan’s request for a shorter period of deliberation so he makes it to the October 12-16 filing of candidacy. “The Butcher” faces kidnapping and serious illegal detention for the disappearance of two UP activists Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan in 2006.
"While the 435 political prisoners had to die before they are given court order for a medical check-up, Palparan asks for something to satisfy his whim. The nerve! Will he campaign using the people’s money to bring with him truckloads of soldiers to protect him?" Hilao-Enriquez said.
"Palparan is the poster boy of the AFP’s bloody record in implementing its counterinsurgency program. The BS Aquino regime’s Oplan Bayanihan is equally bloodthirsty as Arroyo’s Oplan Bantay Laya. He should be in jail, not in his barracks, more so not in senate," Hilao-Enriquez added. ###