Drilon seeks probe on Sanchez convicted bodyguards: ‘Nakawala na ba?’

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon has called for an investigation into the present status of Calauan Mayor Antonio Sanchez’s bodyguards also convicted in the rape-slay of Eileen Sarmenta  and murder of Allan Gomez.

“Hindi lang naman si Sanchez ang involved sa Eileen Sarmenta at [Allan] Gomez [case]. ‘Yung anim na bodyguard, nakawala na ba?“ Drilon told AM radio station DWIZ on Saturday.

Drilon said this as he urged the Senate to pursue the proposal to investigate convicted rapist-murderer former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez’s eligibility to benefit from the Republic Act 10592 or the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).

“Yun ang dapat natin itanong kaya dapat ituloy ang pag-di-dinig na resolution na fi-nile,” Drilon said referring to his Senate Resolution No. 106, which directed the Senate justice and human rights committee to investigate whether Sanchez is qualified for an early release in prison.

READ: Sanchez’s drug case cited in Drilon’s call to probe ex-mayor’s eligibility for early release from prison

Under Art. 94 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by RA 10592, “criminal liability is extinguished partially for good conduct allowances which the culprit may earn while he is undergoing preventive imprisonment or service sentence.”

UPLB student Sarmenta was given as a “gift” to Sanchez. Sanchez’s aides Aurelio Centeno and Vivencio Malabanan, who turned witnesses, testified that after the former mayor raped the student, Sarmenta was passed on to the ex-mayor’s bodyguards who took turns in raping her.

In 1995, Sanchez was convicted along with his bodyguards Baldwin Brion, Luis and Rogelio Corcolon, George Medialdea, Zoilo Ama and Pepito Kawit.

Probe 10,000 inmates eligibility for GCTA

Drilon also urged that the Senate probe should investigate the eligibility of some 10,000 detainees who could also be set for an early release in prison.

“Well, nasa chairman yan ng committee on justice. [Pero] dapat ituloy, dahilan sa hindi lang naman si Sanchez ang involved dito. Sinasabi nila na sampung libo ang makakawala, medyo that is a concern sa atin,” Drilon said.

READ: Antonio Sanchez, more than 10k other inmates to get out of prison ‘soon’

Drilon’s statement came after Justice Menardo Guevarra announced that Sanchez along with over 10,000 inmates will benefit from the GCTA which gives additional time to be deducted from an inmate’s prison sentence as a reward for his or her good behavior.

Just days later, the Department of Justice and Bureau of Corrections declared that Sanchez is not qualified for the GCTA and will not walk out of jail soon.

READ: DOJ, BuCor: Sanchez ineligible for release

Aside from Drilon, Senate President Vicente Sotto III also filed a resolution seeking to review the law that almost allowed Sanchez’ early release in National Bilibid Prison. /jpv