Fraternal, sororal orders condemn effort to release Sanchez via GCTA law

The University of the Philippines' Upsilon Sigma Phi Fraternity and Sigma Delta Phi Sorority condemned the possible release of former Calauan-Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez using the law on Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).

In a joint statement, members of the fraternity and sorority lauded the swift action taken by Malacañang and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to correct the initial misrepresentation of the law, and thus ensuring Sanchez's continued incarceration.

Nevertheless, the orders demanded that the BuCor "fully and publicly render a full account of Sanchez's whereabouts," given the information and photos circulating online showing the former mayor in his hometown and celebrating his birthday with his family, supposedly without proper leave of the court.

The organizations also wanted the removal of all special privileges given to Sanchez inside the New Bilibid Prison, and indemnity be given to the families of the victims.

Sanchez was convicted in 1995 for the rape and murder of University of the Philippines-Los Baños student Eileen Sarmenta and the murder of her friend and fellow UPLB student Allan Gomez. He and his co-accused were sentenced to seven terms of 40 years each.

Gomez was a member of the Upsilon Sigma Phi Fraternity while Sarmenta was part of the Sigma Delta Phi Sorority.

"No convicted criminal deserves to walk our streets freely on a dubious and unsubstantiated finding of ‘good behavior.’ The loss of Sis Eileen and Brod Allan remains fresh in the memories of their loved ones, despite the conviction of Sanchez to seven life sentences. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Sis Eileen and Brod Allan in these difficult times, when wounds are being reopened," the organizations said. — Erwin Colcol/DVM, GMA News