Ex-mayor Antonio Sanchez wants transfer to PGH

MANILA, Philippines — Convicted rapist-murderer and former Calauan, Laguna mayor Antonio Sanchez wants to be transferred from the New Bilibid Prison Hospital to the Philippine General Hospital in Manila, an official from the Department of Justice confirmed Wednesday.

“He is scheduled for further medical tests and has requested to be transferred to the PGH. The NBP hospital is awaiting advice from the PGH,” Justice Undersecretary and Spokesperson Markk Perete told reporters.

“He was subjected to swab test last Monday but usually it’s three to five days before the result would be released,” he added.

Sanchez was meted with seven terms of reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years imprisonment) for the rape and murder of Eileen Sarmenta and the killing of her boyfriend Allan Gomez in 1993.

Perete said Sanchez is suffering from electrolyte imbalance secondary to acute gastroenteritis. Chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and benign prostatic hypertrophy.

On the other hand, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag said Sanchez has a flue and suffering from shortness of breath.

Chaclag said Sanchez was initially brought to the Ospital ng Muntinlupa Monday evening but since the hospital has no more space for probable COVID patient, prison authorities brought him back to the national penitentiary.

Last year, Sanchez hogged the headlines after the DOJ announced he may be able to get out of prison by availing of the good conduct allowance provided for under the controversial Good Conduct Time Allowance law.

The controversy surrounding the grant of GCTA led authorities to review its implementation to exclude from coverage those convicted of heinous crimes.

A Senate inquiry on the issue also resulted in the revelation of other anomalies inside the NBP such as the “hospital pass for sale.” [ac]