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Give rebels a second chance: Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III agrees that the government should give amnesty to former rebels and give them a chance to be productive members of their respective communities. During Monday’s plenary session, February 26, 2024, Pimentel interpellated Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution No. 19, concurring with Proclamation No. 403 of the President of the Republic of the Philippines dated November 22, 2023. “I think we are satisfied. We need to give our brothers and sisters second chances, subject of course to the details of the amnesty proclamation,” Pimentel said. According to Estrada those who are qualified for amnesty are rebels who committed crimes in accordance with their political beliefs. The covered crimes in pursuit of political beliefs include, but not limited to: rebellion or insurrection, conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection, disloyalty of public officers or employees, inciting to rebellion or insurrection, sedition, conspiracy, conspiracy to commit sedition, inciting to sedition, illegal assembly, direct assault, indirect assault, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, tumult and other disturbances of public order. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)