Press Release
August 23, 2019

SENATOR RICHARD J. GORDON ON THE POSSIBLE RELEASE OF CALAUAN EX-MAYOR ANTONIO SANCHEZ

The possible release of former Calauan Mayor Antonio Sanchez, who was convicted for raping and murdering University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) student Eileen Sarmenta, and killing her boyfriend, Allan Gomez, caught everybody by surprise.

The people do not understand Republic Act 10592, which amended the provisions of the Revised Penal Code on good conduct of convicted prisoners, and the whole country was startled that such law exists. There will be a loss of confidence in our court system as the structure of our penitentiary became very suspicious due to possible bribery and collusion inside our prisons.

Sanchez was convicted for seven counts of reclusion perpetua that is equal to seven 40 years in prison. The penalty was so humungous that we cannot imagine him being freed from jail. It is a very big case that scandalized the nation.

If RA 10592 takes into consideration recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees and persons charged with heinous crimes as those excluded from the coverage of provisional release while under preventive imprisonment, then, it is just logical that those convicted of heinous crimes are also disqualified to be entitled to the benefits of Good Conduct Time Allowance Act.

We heard that the BuCor Chief said that the ex-Mayor may not be qualified for earlier release for displaying unwanted behavior while inside prison including the alleged possession of shabu and marijuana inside his cell.

We, as parents and grandparents, have to ensure that our families are safe. And we call on the Department of Justice to take the appropriate measures to see to it that the concerns of the people are addressed.

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