Senator Bong Go. INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines—On Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s recommendation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) will form a task force to expedite the release of qualified elderly inmates at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).
Go said he personally requested Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra to prioritize the release of the elderly inmates, who have been languishing in jail at the NBP’s maximum security compound but are qualified to avail the benefits of the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) law.
A coupe has already testified before the Senate committee on justice on the alleged “GCTA scheme for sale” in exchange for inmates’ freedom.
“Nakiusap na po ako kay Secretary Guevarra kasi tinanong ko talaga sya bakit po nauuna pang nakakalabas yung mga nasa maximum. Dahil po ba mayayaman sila, may pambayad sila o may koneksyon sila na makaproseso sila?” Go told reporters on Wednesday.
“Yun pong nandun sa minimum halos mamatay-matay na po at wala po silang ni pang xerox man lang ng mga dokumento ha… Yun po ang naiiwan dun.”
“So he [Guevarra] will form a task force para po tutukan itong mga kaso ng mga qualified naman pong lumaya, lalong lalo na po yung mga matatanda…” the senator added.
The committee will resume on Thursday its probe on the GCTA-for-sale scheme and other corruption allegations at the NBP and the Bureau of Corrections. /jpv
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