Duterte’s spokesman Panelo denies role in Sanchez’s impending release

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Wednesday denied that he played a role in the  impending release of his former client, former Calauan, Laguna mayor Antonio Sanchez.

“Mukhang masyadong malayo naman e,  27 years ago pa ako abugado nun. Even before the appeal nag-withdraw na ako,” Panelo told reporters in a phone interview.

He said just like what Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra mentioned, there is no need for anyone to intervene or appeal for Sanchez’ release as there is already a law making him qualify for early release due to good conduct.

“As pointed out by Secretary Guevarra, hindi kailangan ng kahit sinong na tao mag-intervene o lumakad sa release kasi may batas na,” he said, referring to Republic Act 10592.

He added he was just one of the seven lawyers of Sanchez who was sentenced to seven terms of reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years imprisonment) for the 1993 rape and murder of student Eileen Sarmenta and the murder of her friend, Allan Gomez.

“Isa (ako) sa mga (abugado), pito ang abugado niya. Wala na ako dun e, nagwithdraw ako 27 years ago. I don’t think i’ll be in any position to make a comment,”

Asked how he feels about the possible release, the presidential legal counsel said just like any lawyer whose former client will have a new lease in life, he is happy.

“Gaya ng mapi-feel ng kahit sinong abugado, matutuwa ang isang abugado na ang kliyente niya 27 years ago ay makakalaya na, magkakaroon na ng kanyang bagong buhay,” he said.

Panelo said the law should be followed when asked if Sanchez deserves to be released.

He also said he no longer have any communication with the former mayor.

He said he is not aware of the President already knows about the pending release of Sanchez as he has yet to talk with the former.

Asked if the release of Sanchez would need the signature of the Duterte, Panelo, president’s legal counsel, said he does not think so.

“Hindi. Ang alam ko Board of Pardons and Parole ‘yan…Sa palagay ko hindi, ang nagbibigay ng release e Bureau of Pardons and Parole,” he said.

He also feel no vindication on the impending release as he did have an emotional attachment to the cases he handled.

“Wala na ako dun, tagal tagal na ‘yun. ‘Yung aking paghawak sa kaso e as a lawyer, I’m not emotionally attached to any case that I handled. Iyong ano ang sinabi ng court e di ‘yun,” he said. —NB, GMA News