Solutions, not reasons, for GCTA controversy
The Senate is currently investigating the anomalies in the granting of Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) to inmates in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), especially to those who have been convicted of heinous crimes. As witnesses testify and involved officials are questioned in the hearing, it becomes clearer to the public that the anomalies are not mere allegations. Mismanagement and, obviously, corruption have beset the operations of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). Needless to say, the matter requires immediate actions and firm decisions.
Since assuming office as a senator, I have always been focused on demanding or formulating solutions to problems instead of listening to perpetrators give excuses and cast blame on one another. Accountability is important, of course, but we can only truly move forward if we ensure that the problems never happen again. So, in today’s column, my first since taking a leave for the campaign and the elections, I would also like to share what we in the government have done to put to right the GCTA mess.
One point of contention is whether convicts of heinous crimes are eligible for the benefits of Republic Act 10592, which increases the GCTA originally provided for in the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and was signed by former President Benigno S. Aquino III. It really does not help that the provisions of the law are worded vaguely, so the BuCor’s interpretation since the law was enacted in 2013 and began to be implemented in 2014, is that all inmates are qualified, including Antonio Sanchez, the former mayor of Calauan, Laguna and mastermind in the rape-slay of Eileen Sarmenta and the murder of Allan Gomez in 1993.
As a long-time advocate against illegal drugs, crimes and corruption, I find the situation we are in to be unacceptable and enraging, which is why I openly declared against the release of inmate Sanchez. I even advised him to stay in Bilibid, as going out of prison may only shorten his life expectancy considering the anti-criminal sentiment we now have in society.
To straighten this mess once and for all, I filed Senate Bill 1003, which seeks to repeal RA 10592 and amend certain articles of the RPC so that it will be clear that recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees, and persons charged with heinous crimes are not eligible for any GCTA.
I am glad that, for their part, the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) revised the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 10952 so that heinous crimes convicts will be entitled only to the original GCTA in the RPC and not to the increased GCTA in RA 10952. The revised IRR, approved by DoJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra and DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, clarifies the ambiguities in the original IRR approved by former DoJ Secretary Leila de Lima and former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas.
Over the course of the investigation into the
GCTA Law, the Senate also uncovered the unfettered corruption happening in the New
Bilibid Prison or the NBP.
As revealed by witnesses, some BuCor officials are involved in “GCTA for sale” transactions. They promise to recompute and increase the GCTA of an inmate and release him early, all for a fee. It also came to light that high-profile inmates also engage in prostitution, gambling and kidnapping even while incarcerated in collusion with NBP officials.
As a health advocate, I was particularly incensed when I learned about the “hospital pass for sale” scheme. Drug lords, with made-up ailments, bribe prison officials so that they will be allowed to stay for several weeks or months in the NBP Hospital. There, they conduct illegal drug transactions and other crimes in relative comfort and security, while aging inmates with serious conditions are deprived of access to proper medical care.
To ensure that an impartial and thorough investigation could be done, I have asked Secretary Guevarra to relieve all BuCor officials who are involved in the processing of the GCTA. President Duterte also relieved BuCor director general Nicanor Faeldon and ordered the investigation of other officials from the BuCor. Both the President and I always put the interest of the Filipino people above anything else. Loyalty to our personal friends and political allies is only secondary.
The Senate hearing on the GCTA and the corruption in BuCor is not yet over. I will continue to uncover the truth and speak for those who are seeking justice. I will continue to personally check and inspect not only the Bilibid prison but other prisons and detention facilities throughout the country. I will not stop until we fix this.
I know that Filipinos are tired of corrupt and erring officials who give nothing but lame excuses, so I will focus instead on finding and providing solutions. As I stated in SB 1003, “the government’s hardline stance against criminality must be exhibited not only through police operations and similar activities, but even in dealing with criminals convicted of committing crimes which demonstrate deep depravity and vicious tendencies.”
This is the only way that we can build a criminal justice and penal system that our country deserves.
“I know that Filipinos are tired of corrupt and erring officials who give nothing but lame excuses, so I will focus instead on finding and providing solutions.
“As a long-time advocate against illegal drugs, crimes and corruption, I find the situation we are in to be unacceptable and enraging, which is why I openly declared against the release of inmate Sanchez.
Editor’s note: When Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go took a sabbatical from opinion writing for the Daily
Tribune, he was President Rodrigo Duterte’s ever-reliable aide. He returns as the Special Assistant to the People through his indefatigable legislative work. The Tribune family welcomes the senator back into its fold.