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