Lawmaker warns GCTA could be prone to corruption

Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. (Photo from the Facebook account of Ako Bicol)

MANILA, Philippines — Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. warned on Wednesday that the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) shortening the prison sentence of inmates who have shown good behavior while in jail could be prone to corruption.

“It could be prone [to corruption] that’s why it [provisions] should be followed strictly. Any release of eligible inmates must be based on a factual determination and arithmetical computation and that is provided for,” he said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Garbin said implementing the GCTA could be open to corruption “since there appears to be a lack of transparency in the implementation of the law.”

“Specifically, what are the guidelines being used and on whether the guidelines are actually followed in determining who would be the beneficiary of the law? If there is no transparency then there is the possibility that inclusion in the list of beneficiaries may well be for sale,” he explained.

“That’s why we want to look into this in the exercise of congress’ oversight function in the implementation of the law and to aid Congress in introducing possible amendments to better safeguard the implementation of the law,” he added.

Garbin stressed that to prevent this scenario, the Bureau of Corrections should strictly consider “factual determinations” on the eligibility of inmates to benefit for the GCTA as mandated by the Republic Act 10592.

He specifically cited as the first basis for granting early release the Section 1 of RA 10592 which states that “recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees, and persons charged with heinous crimes are excluded from the coverage” of the Act.

READ: Antonio Sanchez, more than 10k other inmates to get out of prison ‘soon’

“Pangalawang [Second] factual determination, did you exhibit good and satisfactory behavior while serving your sentence? Did you follow prison rules and regulations?” he added.

In filing House Resolution No. 260, Garbin also said the possible House probe seeks to prevent inmates ineligible for the provision to walk out of prison earlier than their prescribed sentence.

“These are the things that the management, selection, and evaluation committee should consider. Ang problema, meron ba silang recording noon? Paano ba nila na record yung good behavior, ‘yung reporma na ginawa ng inmates? ‘Yan ang itatanong natin [The problem is do they have a recording of that? How did they record the good behavior, the change in attitude shown by inmates? That’s what we will ask],” he said.

More than 10,000 prisoners are expected to be released soon under the GCTA. Those initially recommended to benefit from the law include former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez, but BuCor Director General Nicanor Faeldon said the former local chief executive may not qualify “because of his several violations” while inside the New Bilibid Prison. /jpv

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