Early release of convicts like a thief in the night – Gordon

MANILA, Philippines – News of the early release of convicts, including those who committed heinous crimes,  came “like a thief  in the night,” Senator  Richard  Gordon said Monday as he opened  a joint hearing on the implementation of Republic  Act  10592 on good conduct time allowance (GCTA).

“Ang lumabas ho dito, ipapagpatawad nyo Secretary  Guevarra, at saka Mr. Faeldon, ang lumalabas dito e  parang it came in like a thief in the night,” he said.

Gordon was referring to Justice Secretary  Menardo Guevarra and Bureau of Corrections Director  General Nicanor Faeldon, who were present in the hearing.

“Nabulaga na lang ang tao  na palalabasin  na lamang. Hindi po kanais-nais ang bagay na yan kaya ngayon nandito tayo ngayon, iniimbestiga  natin,” said Gordon.

“Hindi man lang binigyan ng payo o kinuha yung opinion ng mga…Sa ating kultura,   dapat ipaalam naman dun sa mga nasaktan nitong mga prisonerong  ito,” he added.

Among those reportedly ordered released was former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez,  who was convicted for the brutal killing of two University of the Philippines – Los Banos students in 1993.

Sanchez’s release order was reportedly signed by Faeldon, who issued a denial. /gsg