Former AFP comptroller Carlos Garcia released from prison — BuCor

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Friday announced the release of retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia after over 17 years in prison.

Garcia was a former Armed Forces of the Philippines comptroller who was convicted for crimes including direct bribery and facilitating money laundering.

According to BuCor in a statement, Director General Gregorio Catapang carried out the order after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla approved Garcia’s release.

BuCor said Garcia’s sentence was already fully served upon computation including the 3,288 good conduct time allowance (GCTA) under Republic Act 10592 or the law granting GCTA for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

Under the said law, GCTA refers to a sentence reduction provision afforded to PDLs who show good behavior.

Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang carried out the order after Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla approved Garcia’s release, BuCor said.

Garcia’s detention started in June 2005, and he was transferred to the New Bilibid Prison on September 16, 2011.

He was sentenced by the Sandiganbayan Second Division to four up to eight years in prison for direct bribery under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code; and another four to six years for facilitating money laundering under Section 4 (b) of Republic Act 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering Law).

Furthermore, Garcia was also sentenced to a minimum of one year and eight months to a maximum of two years and four months for perjury by the anti-graft court, and a maximum of two years for violation of the 96th and 97th Articles of War by the General Court Martial of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Based on record, Garcia was sentenced to a definite prison term of 18 years and four months but whose time served with time allowances have already exceeded his maximum sentence, computed based on Republic Act No. 10592,” BuCor explained.

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