BEIJING, China — President Rodrigo Duterte wants the Bureau of Corrections to explain why more than 1,900 inmates convicted for heinous crimes are freed early even if they are not eligible under the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) law.
Senator and former presidential aide Christopher Go said the release of the inmates was not approved by the president.
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"Papasagutin niya ang dinaanan (He will ask those who approved it to explain)," Go said in a text message Saturday.
Republic Act 10592 or GCTA law signed by former president Benigno Aquino III reduces the jail time of prisoners who displayed good behavior.
The law does not cover those found guilty of heinous crimes, escapees, habitual delinquents and recidivists.
Despite the exception, 1,914 prisoners convicted of heinous crimes have walked free since 2014, according to the Bureau of Corrections.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson has also revealed that four convicted Chinese drug traffickers were freed last June.
Malacañang has said the prisoners should be sent back to jail because they are not covered by the GCTA. While the law says the grant of GCTA cannot be revoked, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the provision only applies to qualified inmates.