According to the Constitution of the Philippines, who is vested with the power to pardon?

The power to pardon in the Philippines is vested in the Chief Executive, which refers to the President of the country. This authority is established in the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, specifically in Article VII, Section 19. This provision grants the President the power to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons after the convict has served his sentence.

The role of the Chief Executive in exercising this power is crucial because it allows for the consideration of individual circumstances surrounding cases, including the demonstration of remorse, rehabilitation, or other factors that may merit a pardon. This function is an aspect of the broader executive prerogative and serves as a check on the judicial system, ensuring that mercy can be extended when deemed appropriate.

In contrast, the other branches and entities mentioned do not have the authority to grant pardons. The Department of Justice focuses on legal matters and the enforcement of laws, the judiciary interprets laws and administers justice, while the legislative body creates laws but does not engage in the pardoning process. Therefore, the President holds a unique and pivotal role in the context of pardon powers within the government framework.