PACC to probe other BuCor officials involved in GCTA controversy

The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) will continue its investigation of  Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officials who could have been involved in the early release of heinous crime convicts.

"We will continue our investigation against other [Bureau of Corrections] officials that may have been involved in the controversy, submit it to President Rodrigo Duterte and file appropriate cases in the Ombudsman," said PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica.

Belgica's statement came after President Rodrigo Duterte fired BuCor chief Nicanor Faeldon over his alleged failure to follow directions.

Duterte on Wednesday fired Faeldon amid the controversy involving the early release of heinous crimes convicts.

"Sabi niya he was placing his destiny sa kamay ko. Now is the time. I said you violated instructions," Duterte said.

Belgica also called for the resignation of BuCor officials involved in the controversy over the implementation of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law.

"All the officers involved in the GCTA controversy should also file their courtesy resignation following the firing of their head," he added.

Duterte also called on the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate the release of heinous crimes convicts on account of good behavior.

BuCor data showed that out of the 22,049 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) released from 2014 to 2019 due to good conduct time allowance, at least 1,914 had been convicted of heinous crimes such as murder and rape. — BAP, GMA News