(Eagle News)–The Department of the Interior and Local Government believes former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez is not eligible for early release under Republic Act. No. 10592.
In backing the stand of the Department of Justice, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año noted that the law, which increases the Good Conduct Time Allowance given to inmates, is “categorical in excluding recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees, and persons charged with heinous crimes” from its coverage.
Año said Sanchez “inarguably does not stand a chance of being released anytime soon” as he committed rape and double murder.
“He was responsible for the death of two bright university students. Allowing him to get out early is a mockery of the law and justice system,” Año said.
“Kailangan niyang panagutan hanggang sa huling minuto ang hatol sa kanya. He must serve his entire sentence. Kapag pinalaya natin ‘yan ng maaga, we would have punctured a hole in our own justice system,” he added.
Año issued the statement after the Palace clarified Sanchez cannot qualify for early release under the law.
The Palace issued the statement following uproar over Sanchez’s possible release after the Supreme Court ruled the law, passed in 2013, should be applied retroactively.
This meant that inmates who were given a final judgment prior to the enactment of the law could benefit from the law.
