SC distances self from Sanchez release controversy

Manila, Philippines–The Supreme Court (SC) merely interpreted the law when it ruled that there should be a retroactive application of the law increasing the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

“First, the Supreme Court did not order the release of [former Calauan] Mayor [Antonio] Sanchez,” high court’s information chief Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka said during a press conference.

He said what the High Court did was only to determine if the law should be applied prospectively or retroactively.

The GCTA rule came into the spotlight following reports that Sanchez could benefit from the law.

Hosaka said the policy to increase the GCTA did not come from the Supreme Court but from the law passed by Congress.

“The implementation of RA 10592 is not within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Like all laws, it is to be implemented and executed by the executive branch of government,” he said. /jpv