Panelo ready to face Senate, House probes on GCTA law

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Tuesday that he is ready to attend the Senate and House of Representatives hearings on the supposed release of convicted felons due to the law that shortens prison terms because of good behavior.

Among the high profile inmates the congressional probes were looking into was convicted rapist and murderer former Calauan Mayor Antonio Sanchez, who is Panelo’s former client.

Panelo was among Sanchez’s lawyers in the 1993 rape-slay of UP Los Baños student Eileen Sarmenta, and the murder of her friend, Allan Gomez.

Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite earlier said the Palace official should also attend the hearings after it was revealed that Panelo referred to the Bureau of Pardons and Parole (BPP) Sanchez’s application for executive clemency.

READ: Bayan Muna wants Panelo to attend congressional probes on GCTA law

“Of course, of course,” Panelo briefly said in an interview over dzMM when asked if he’s open to attend the inquiry.

“Gaya ng sinabi ko sa MPC (Malacañang Press Corps), transparent lahat ‘yung records,” he added.

At the second Senate hearing on the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) law, BPP chief Reynaldo Bayang revealed that Panelo wrote to him on February 26 this year, referring a letter from Sanchez’s daughter, Marie Antonelvie, regarding the pardon application of her father.

BPP dismissed in December 2018 Sanchez’s petition for executive clemency. It upheld the dismissal of Sanchez’s appeal in a decision dated February 27, a day after Panelo wrote to the bureau.

But Panelo clarified that he does not intervene on Sanchez’s application for early release and only referred the letter to BPP.

READ: BPP: Panelo referred Sanchez’s bid for clemency

READ: Panelo denies endorsing Sanchez’s bid for clemency: I merely referred letter

/kga