‘Bato’ must be probed over convicts’ release – DILG chief

MANILA, Philippines – Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Friday said Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and other former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chiefs should likewise be investigated on alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law.

“I think so, kasi meron siyang mga nirelease, diba? So dapat lang tingnan kung may paglabag doon (because he allowed the release of some convicts, right? So I think we should find out whether or not violations were committed),” Año said.

Dela Rosa, after retiring from the Philippine National Police, served as BuCor chief from April to October 2018.

He said he believes that Dela Rosa can defend himself on the matter.

“Kayang kaya naman ni Sen. Dela Rosa depensahan ‘yung sarili niya, kasi kung meron namang nag qualify doon bakit naman siya sisisihin doon (Sen. Dela Rosa can defend himself, because if the convicts did qualify for the GCTA, why should he be blamed)?” said Año.

Dela Rosa earlier admitted signing the release orders of around 120 heinous crime convicts when he was BuCor chief.

READ: Dela Rosa: Only 1 drug convict freed under GCTA during my term at NBP

Año also said he saw ambiguities in the manual and the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act 10592 or the GCTA Law that shortened the prison sentence of convicts as a reward for exhibiting good conduct. /gsg