Robredo: Releasing Sanchez violates spirit of the law on Good Conduct Time Allowances

Releasing convicted rapist and murderer Antonio Sanchez would go against the intention of the Good Conduct Time Allowance law or Republic Act 10592 which allows convicts to be released ahead of serving their jail time based on good behavior, Vice President Leni Robredo said Friday.

On March 11, 1995, Sanchez was meted with seven counts of reclusion perpetua   (up to 40 years imprisonment) for the rape and murder of Eileen Sarmenta and for the murder of her friend, Allan Gomez.                                                                                  

“Giving the former mayor the opportunity to walk free under RA 10592 goes against the essential spirit of the law, given his multiple reported violations while incarcerated such as possession of illegal drugs and having a luxurious “kubol," Robredo, a lawyer, said in an interview at the sidelines of the turnover ceremony of girls’ dormitory for Balangkayan National High School and Senior High School in Eastern Samar.

“Noong una kong narinig iyong balita, nakakagalit. Naging sariwa tuloy ulit iyong balita from many years ago, na talagang binaboy iyong dalawang estudyante,” Robredo said.

A surprise inspection in the cell of Sanchez yielded illegal drugs, and items prohibited in jail such as an airconditioning unit and flat screen TV, among others.

Before he committed the crime against Sarmenta and Lopez, Sanchez also faced trial for two murders.

“Kaya iyong taumbayan, talagang pinarating iyong kanilang boses. Paano na lang kung hindi tayo nag-react? Baka nalaman na lang natin nakalabas na siya,” Robredo added.

On Thursday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that Sanchez is not eligible for release under Republic Act 10592 since the recidivists, as well as habitual delinquents, escapees and persons charged with heinous crimes are not covered by the said law. —LDF, GMA News