PACC told to keep off GCTA probe

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Wednesday asked the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) to keep its hands off the investigation on the alleged anomalies inside the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) related to the granting of good conduct time allowance (GCTA).

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo stressed that PACC let the Office of the Ombudsman take over the probe.

“It should cease pursuing the investigation because the Ombudsman has taken over it,” Panelo said in an interview on CNN Philippines.

“PACC knows it. When the Ombudsman takes over, all agencies should defer from the Ombudsman because that is the Constitutional body and precisely tasked to do the investigation,” he added.

Panelo made the remark after Ombudsman Samuel Martires asked the PACC to stop its investigation to “avoid any possible conflicting findings.”

President Duterte has ordered the Ombudsman to look into the possible corruption in the application of the GCTA law following the aborted release of rape and murder convict and former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez.

The Senate is also conducting an inquiry on the supposed release of convicted felons due to the law that shortens prison terms due to good behavior.

READ: Duterte to Faeldon: You’re fired

READ: Panelo ready to face Senate, House probes on GCTA law

A witness recently surfaced in the Senate to testify that a good conduct time allowance “for sale scheme” exists in the New Bilibid Prison.

Yolanda Camilon bared that she coughed up P50,000 to secure the release of her common-law partner.

She also named BuCor officials allegedly involved in the scheme. /gsg

READ: Witness tells Senate: Freedom comes with a price tag in Bilibid