Antonio Sanchez release no longer an issue — Palace

MANILA, Philippines — The recent controversy involving convicted rapist and murderer, former Calauan, Laguna mayor Antonio Sanchez is no longer an issue because he was already found to be unqualified to be released from prison, Malacañang said yesterday. 

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said claims that Sanchez, who was sentenced to seven life terms of up to 40 years each, may soon walk free should no longer be discussed. 

“I think it is clear that he is not qualified under the law that reduces sentences because of good conduct. So that’s not an issue anymore,” Nograles said in an interview with radio station dzBB. 

“Natuldukan na ito. Hindi na dapat pag-usapan pa ito kasi hindi talaga qualified (The issue should be put to rest. It should not be discussed anymore because he is not qualified),” he added. 

Sanchez was convicted in 1995 for the rape-slay of University of the Philippines Los Baños student Eileen Sarmenta and the murder of her friend Allan Gomez in 1993. 

Last week, the justice department sparked outrage after it announced that Sanchez may be among 11,000 inmates who may walk free within the next two months because of a new law increasing good conduct time allowance and a Supreme Court ruling applying it retroactively.

Officials later clarified that Sanchez is not qualified to be released because the law on good conduct time allowance excludes recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees and persons charged with heinous crimes.

President Duterte is reportedly furious at the possibility that Sanchez will be released early from prison.

“The President has spoken. It’s over. We have nothing to talk about,” Nograles said. 

The Cabinet Secretary said he has not heard about plans to suspend the processing of good conduct time allowance but cited the need to thoroughly assess the candidates for early release.

“What I heard is it will be screened thoroughly. Let’s not talk about those who are disqualified. They should be removed from the list,” Nograles said. 

Nograles also downplayed concerns that Sanchez may go to the Supreme Court to secure his release. 

“The law is very clear. Even if you try to turn it inside out, it states that if you commit heinous crimes, you are not qualified,” he added.