Recalling GCTA beneficiaries not as easy as it sounds

Should the release of convicts under the good conduct time allowance provision be recalled?

Despite the clamor, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the proper way to handle the issue is by thoroughly studying it.

“We need to study that matter very carefully. It may not be as simple as it seems,” said Guevarra on Saturday, responding to the statement of Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo that those freed due to the GCTA should be put back in jail.

Reports have surfaced that thousands of convicts, including those who committed heinous crimes, are now out or will soon be out of jail. Former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez, a rape-slay convict, was alleged to have been approved for release.

Sanchez’s family expressed disappointment over the non-release, saying his papers were signed 20 August by the Bureau of Corrections chief himself, Nicanor Faeldon.

Faeldon denied signing any release papers.

Guevarra said everyone, including Congress, the Supreme Court, DOJ, correctional agencies, the Department of Interior and Local Government, media and the public, learned hard lessons from the GCTA issue.

“I need a thousand words to explain this. But as a journalist, you may do your own analysis,” Guervarra told reporters. “Every now and then, we need to experience major shocks so that we may be prompted to continuously evaluate, deal with imperfections and come up with an improved version of our criminal justice system.”

DOJ Spokesperson and Undersecretary Markk Perete said the DOJ-DILG joint committee tasked to review the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10592, or the Revised Penal Code, already convened. The initial meeting was chaired by DOJ Undersecretary Deo Marco.

Faeldon, and officials from the Board of Jail Management and Penology, Board of Pardons and Parole, Parole and Probation Administration, among others, also attended the meeting.

The joint committee has until 12 September to submit its recommendations to the DOJ and DILG.

Among the topics discussed were the exclusions from the benefits under RA No 10592, which will apply to recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees and those charged with heinous crimes.