Panelo: It's back to jail for freed heinous crimes convicts

File Photo
File Photo

PRISONERS convicted of heinous crimes but granted a reduction in their sentence because of good conduct must be sent back to jail, Malacañang said on Friday, August 30.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said heinous crime convicts need to serve their full jail time as they are not eligible to avail of the benefits granted under Republic Act (RA) 10592.

"That cannot be done because the law is very clear. Republic Act 10592 is very clear that those charged and convicted of heinous crimes, escapees, habitual delinquents and recidivists are not covered by the law," the Palace official insisted in a press briefing held in China.

"Obviously, dapat makabalik sila sa kulungan (they should be returned to jail) until they serve the full term of their service," he added.

RA 10592 states "that recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees and persons charged with heinous crimes are excluded from the coverage of this Act."

Data from the Bureau of Corrections showed that a total of 1,914 inmates convicted of heinous crimes have been granted early release since 2014 after their prison terms were reduced based on good conduct time allowance (GCTA) under RA 10592.

The GCTA system became controversial after reports surfaced that former Calauan mayor Antonio Sanchez, who was convicted of the 1993 rape-slay of Eileen Sarmenta and killing of her companion Allan Gomez, is among those qualified to avail of a reduction in jail term.

Release orders have also been allegedly issued for men convicted of the Chiong sisters kidnap-slay case in Cebu.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, however, said the authenticity of these release orders was still being verified by Bureau of Corrections Director General Nicanor Faeldon.

When told about the law's provision that the GCTA cannot be revoked once granted, Panelo said it only applies to those who are eligible to such benefit.

"When you say it cannot be revoked, it assumes the grantees are qualified. If they are not qualified, how can you apply that provision?" the Palace official said.

Panelo also stressed that President Rodrigo Duterte would continue enforcing the country's laws.

"The President, at the inception of his career as public official, his slogan was and is until now what the law is. Just follow it," he added.

Under the law, the BuCor director, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology chief, and/or the warden of a provincial, district, municipal or city jail are allowed to grant allowances for good conduct.

The law's implementing rules and regulations, however, are being reviewed by a task force formed by the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Pending the review, implementation of the GCTA system is suspended. (SunStar Philippines)

Trending

No stories found.

Just in

No stories found.

Branded Content

No stories found.
SunStar Publishing Inc.
www.sunstar.com.ph