PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, September 4, said that while the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) law was passed even before he assumed office, he was willing to be investigated and probably impeached over its implementation.
"Hindi ko po batas ‘yan (That's not my law) and it was implemented not during my time. It was started. And it went on without really a clear-cut policy or direction even on the law itself kung sino ang mag-pirma (as to who will sign) or who will grant with finality those who are enjoying their liberty now," he said.
"I am ready to be investigated and I’m ready for an impeachment. And I’m ready to resign, if warranted. But that is my decision and that is mine and mine alone. So anybody acting upon my orders will be treated as exercising good faith," Duterte added.
He called on the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate officials of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) involved in the early release of heinous crime convicts on the basis of good behavior.
Duterte made the pronouncement after demanding the immediate resignation of BuCor Director General Nicanor Faeldon, which he said was tantamount to firing the former Marine.
"I am calling for an investigation to be handled by the Ombudsman," the President told Palace reporters.
"With Faeldon out, I am ordering all who has had the opportunity to be in that committee, all of them are with the BuCor, to report to me and to the Secretary of Justice. In the meantime, I will not suspend them but they will be investigated. Diretso na ito sa (It will be directed to the) Ombudsman," he added.
In a press conference, the President sought the "immediate" resignation of Faeldon, but later on said that his demand was tantamount to terminating the services of the BuCor chief.
Duterte made the decision after 1,914 prisoners convicted of heinous crimes have been granted early release since 2014 because of Republic Act (RA 10592) signed in 2013.
RA 10592 gives the Bureau of Corrections head, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology chief, or the jail warden authority to grant good conduct time allowance (GCTA), a benefit that shortens inmates' jail time for good behavior. (SunStar Philippines)