MALACAÑANG on Tuesday, September 3, said it would let Congress decide on the fate of Republic Act (RA) 10592 following the confusion over the different interpretations of the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) provision.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the executive branch would leave it to the legislators whether RA 10592 needs to be "amended or repealed".
"What made it (RA 10592) so messy is because of the implementing rules and regulations. Kailangang baguhin mo 'yung implementing rules and regulations (There is a need to change the implementing rules and regulations)," Panelo told Palace reporters in a press briefing.
"Now, kung after mabago iyan (if there will be a change), we will leave it to the wisdom of lawmakers whether to amend it or repeal it," he added.
The GCTA system under RA 10952 shortens jail time of inmates with good behavior.
Its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) are being reviewed by a joint committee formed by the Justice and Local Government departments.
The law states that "recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees, and persons charged with heinous crimes" cannot benefit from the GCTA.
But Panelo noted that the IRR "included those convicted of heinous crimes as qualified to avail (of) the benefits of RA 10592."
Some 1,914 inmates have been granted early release since 2014, data from the Bureau of Corrections revealed.
Among those freed are Josman Aznar, Ariel Balansag, and Alberto Caño, three of the seven convicts in the 1997 rape-slay of Marijoy and Jacqueline Chiong.
The Palace official was optimistic that the "ambiguity" in the RA 10592 would "be remedied by the current Congress."
"I understand sa IRR, sinama nila 'yung sa heinous crimes. Pwede. Kaya 'yun naman 'yung sinasabi ng mga nag-process, kaya nga nagkaroon ng gulo, because of that IRR (I understand, convicts of heinous crimes can avail of early release. That is allowed. That's why concerned individuals said there's a confusion because of that IRR)," he said.
"Those who are excluded expressly should not be considered because they are automatically disqualified," he added.
Senate blue ribbon and justice committees chairperson Richard Gordon said a technical working group would be convened to review the proposed amendments to RA 10592. (SunStar Philippines)