Pacquiao advises Faeldon to take a leave of absence

Amid the controversy over the implementation of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA), Senator Manny Pacquiao has advised Bureau of Correction Director General Nicanor Faeldon to take a leave of absence.

"I know that Undersecretary Faeldon is a good man and has served his country well but I really [think] that he can spare the president and this administration from embarrassment by taking a leave-of-absence. It is temporary anyway and he can easily go back to the BuCor or in any other government position once this issue has been fully clarified," Pacquiao said.

"Besides, the president is unnecessarily dragged into this whole mess being the appointing authority. If Usec Faeldon truly respects the president, he must do the right thing. I'm pretty sure everything will work out for him in the end," he added.

The senator's statement was issued as Faeldon faced an investigation on allegations of abuse on the application of  Republic Act 10592, which grants early release of prisoners on the basis of good behavior or GCTA.

Pacquiao said he "fully believes in the integrity and honesty of Faeldon," but said answering the queries by legislators on the release of convicts who committed heinous crimes like former Calauan Mayor Antonio Sanchez requires full attention.

Sanchez was convicted for the 1993 rape-slay of two students from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, Eileen Sarmenta and Allan Gomez. He is facing seven terms of reclusion perpetua.

Pacquiao also reiterated his position on whether Sanchez should be granted early release, saying that it is wrong to release the former mayor and other criminals convicted of heinous crimes and that the allegation that the GCTA is given in exchange for cash is "just too fantastic and clearly exaggerated."

"Sa ngayon, kwentong barbero lang yang GCTA-for-sale na sinasabi nila dahil wala pa naman silang maipakitang ebidensiya," Pacquiao said.

He added that the controversy is "the best reason to seriously consider the re-imposition of the death penalty."

"This GCTA law should be reviewed and should only cover petty crimes. On the other hand, this controversy should already serve as a wake up call for Congress to finally approved re-imposition of death penalty on certain heinous crimes," Pacquiao said. — BAP, GMA News