I was watching a morning news show a couple of days before at GMA 7 where they differentiated amnesty and pardon. I was glad it was discussed because I often hear those terms but never ever know what it really meant in legal term. The resident lawyer said that while pardon forgives the criminal offense, amnesty is better as it forgives and forgets. This means that once an amnesty is given it not only forgives the offense it also wipes out any record of it.

I did some reading and there are some countries like ours that provides pardons. The constitution pardons Canada citizens. They even have non-profit organizations that help with the granting of Canadian pardon. Not only that they also assist in application of US waiver entry.

Pardon when granted will remove criminal records and it will allow the person to live a life without the restrictions associated to having one. The US Entry waiver that is granted by the US government allows legal access to the US despite the existence of a criminal record.

This is good of everyone who did wrong but has taken steps to correct it. But it is sometimes difficult to live a new life because of all the stigmas and barriers associated with a criminal record. Some could not find a decent job. However, it is fair that they be given another chance. So it is good that there are professionals who are willing to offer help on this regard. It all starts infree counseling. They will give and honest and reliable advice on what to do and what applications are really needed.

I’m not sure if we have the same programs here in our country but it would be definitely be helpful if we have. It will help people who are rehabilitating get on with their lives without the usual trauma and stigma brought about by a criminal record.

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