SENATOR BATO DELA ROSA CALLS FOR DEATH PENALTY ANEW AMIDST TALKS OF SANCHEZ RELEASE

SENATOR Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa reiterated the need to pass the law on death penalty, which he is pushing for, amidst the talks about the release of some 11,000 inmates that may benefit from Republic Act No. 10592 increasing the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) given to inmates.

Dela Rosa's statement came following reports that inmates, including the former Calauan Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez, might be released soon for good conduct while incarcerated.

Sanchez was convicted for the rape and murder of Eileen Sarmenta and the murder of Allan Gomez, both students of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Dela Rosa said the pending release of inmates, especially those who were convicted of heinous crimes, could be averted if we have the capital punishment. He further noted that existing laws should be observed.

"Kung sa akin lang kung ganyan ka-heinous ang krimen na ginawa niya (Sanchez) dapat binitay na siya noon diba, kung may death penalty na noon nabitay na yan... pero wala tayong magawa... don't get me wrong, I'm just on the side of the law. Anjan yang batas (RA 10592) na yan, dapat respetuhin natin, sundin natin," Dela Rosa said.

When asked on the validity of releasing Sanchez considering he was sentenced seven counts of reclusion perpetua, reported confiscation of millions worth of shabu in his cell and lavish lifestyle while serving his term, the neophyte senator said the Department of Justice (DoJ) through the Board of Pardons and Parole should explain to the public with regard to the GCTA.

"Well tanungin natin yung Board of Pardons and Parole na nagre-recommend niyan at yung sa loob ng Bureau of Corrections kung paano nila na compute, ang alam ko meron yang computation, may corresponding GCTA yan kung ilan days ang mababawas sa sintensya mo," Dela Rosa said.