My release documents have been signed, claims Sanchez; DOJ denies

Former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez's release documents have already been signed, the convicted rapist and killer has told GMA News.

Sanchez said he was no longer included in the New Bilibid Prison's food rations.

"Batch na namin," Sanchez said, indicating that it was already his and some fellow inmates time to benefit from Republic Act No. 10592. "Kasi by batch e. Eh ako'y sa 95 naka-ano."

"Pirmado na nga lahat e. May release paper na nga ako. Wala na nga akong pagkain dito. Hindi na ko kasama sa rantso," he added.

The law provides for reduced prison terms on account of good conduct behind bars. 

Enacted in 2013, the measure was initially benefited only the inmates who went to prison after it became a law.

The Supreme Court in June, however, ruled in favor of petitioners who asked that it be applied as well to inmates imprisoned before it was passed.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Bureau of Corrections director Nicanor Faeldon had denied signing Sanchez's release papers.

"I have been informed that Bucor chief Faeldon denies having signed a release order for Sanchez. Likewise, no report on such matter has been received by the [Department of Justice]," Guevarra said.

Sanchez in 1995 was sentenced to seven terms of up to 40 years each for rape-slay of UP student Eileen Sarmenta and the killing of her friend Allan Gomez. 

His reported pending release and the public backlash led the Duterte administration to suspend the processing of good conduct time allowances of inmates.  —NB, GMA News