Arroyo announces commuting all death sentences to life terms

Manila: President Gloria Arroyo on Saturday announced the government will commute all death sentences to life terms.

"Regarding those who face the death penalty, I announce that we are changing that punishment and will make [the maximum penalty] life imprisonment," Arroyo said in an Easter message to the nation.

Arroyo, a devout Catholic, had once before imposed a moratorium on the death penalty after coming to power in 2001. But she lifted it in 2003 after a series of violent crimes.

Despite this, no death sentences have subsequently been carried out.

Completely abolishing the death penalty, however, requires an act of Congress.

Arroyo did not say why she was making this decision now.

Arroyo also urged the Filipinos to unite, and at the same time called upon them to be more resilient in facing the day-to-day challenges.

"We should always possess with us a strong degree of optimism while we are carrying our own cross. These experiences teach us to be wiser and will be a good foundation to build a brighter tomorrow," said Arroyo in her Easter message.

In a statement, the President also said she would try to end political infighting in the country.

She pointed out political problems have created concern among Filipinos and scared away a number of potential investors.

Arroyo, a staunch ally of the Catholic Church, also announced that she has ordered the death penalty of about 1,000 convicts commuted to life imprisonment in the spirit of Easter Sunday.

"As we celebrate and rejoice in Jesus' resurrection, I wish to announce that we are changing our policy on those who have been imposed the death penalty. We are reducing their penalty to life imprisonment," the President said.

Arroyo declared a moratorium on the execution of death convicts when she assumed the presidency in 20001, but the outbreak of kidnappings and killings in 2003 prompted her to lift the moratorium.

However, no execution has been carried out under her administration as she has always granted reprieve to those scheduled for lethal injection.

Earlier, Arroyo also cautioned the Filipinos to be aware of messages calling for the change of leadership in government.

"Let us use our strong faith in the Almighty to discern truth from lies, sincere aspirations from evil schemes and genuine reconciliation from things that promote divisiveness in the country," the President said.

Despite the calls for her resignation on alleged electoral fraud and corruption charges, the economist-trained Arroyo has managed to parry the blows of the opposition to remain in power.