(Eagle News)–Senate President Tito Sotto is seeking a review of Republic Act 10592 that increases the Good Conduct Time Allowance given to inmates.
In seeking to amend the law, Sotto, in Resolution No. 107, said there was a need to ensure that the prisoners who “truly deserve” the benefits of the law, which was passed during the time of then-President Noynoy Aquino in 2013, are granted the same.
According to Sotto, a provision on the forfeiture of earned GCTA when a crime is committed and on the conditions for the entitlement of the privilege “must be considered” in light of reports former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez, who was convicted of the murder and rape of Aileen Sarmenta and the murder of her friend Allan Gomez in the 1990s, could be released.
This was after the Supreme Court in June said the law should be applied retroactively to include inmates who were meted out a final judgment before the law was enacted.
According to Sotto, Sanchez’s possible release was now being questioned because even while serving his sentence, he was charged with illegal drugs possession in 2006, and in 2010, P1.5 million worth of shabu was found in his prison cell.
“Whereas the purpose of the law may be good and favorable especially to those poor criminals who were found guilty because they cannot afford private lawyers who can competently represent them; however, there are some who do not deserve to enjoy the benefits of this law but will receive it just the same,” he said.
He directed the Senate panels on justice and human rights; constitutional amendments, revision of codes and laws; and other appropriate panels to conduct the inquiry.
Bureau of Corrections chief Nicanor Faeldon has urged the public not to assume Sanchez would be released, saying BuCor was still computing the GCTA, if any.
