Ex-BuCor chief Dela Rosa's signing of GCTA releases also require investigation — Panelo

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa's signing of release papers when he was corrections chief should also be investigated, Malacañang said, as some sectors suspect irregularities in the implementation of the Good Conduct Time Allowance law. 

The GCTA law, which reduces the jail time of inmates who displayed good behavior, was placed on scrutiny after it was revealed that among those who benefited from it were 1,914 heinous crime convicts. They walked free even if the law does not cover persons found guilty of heinous crimes. 

READ: Excluded from GCTA or not? Why Sanchez's release was 'a possibility'

Dela Rosa, a former police chief and an ally of the administration, has admitted signing release orders of about 120 heinous crimes convicts when he was corrections chief. 

"With respect to Senator Dela Rosa, then that requires an investigation on whatever circumstances that made him sign released papers, it's a case-to-case basis," presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Thursday. 

"But, as I said earlier, the president he was going to wait for the investigation of the Senate," he added. 

Panelo said somebody has to file a complaint against Dela Rosa so an investigation could be conducted. 

READ: Panelo wants freed 'heinous crimes' convicts back in prison, but time allowances are 'irrevocable'

House justice committee chairperson Vicente Veloso previously said predecessors of fired corrections chief Nicanor Faeldon should also be liable for the release of heinous crime convicts, noting that the GCTA law has been in effect since 2013.  

Panelo said the House of Representatives is free to look into the implementation of the GCTA law. 

"Well, I guess, since that is the sentiment of the House, they should do something about it. They can always recommend the filing. First, they will have to investigate; and then, they will have to recommend what their findings are and what their recommendation is with respect to those people," he added. 

Dela Rosa served as corrections chief from April to October 2018. 

READ: Guevarra places 1,914 heinous convicts under lookout bulletin

On Wednesday, Duterte expressed confidence that Dela Rosa would submit himself to a probe. He said it was possible that some convicts resorted to bribes to secure an early release. 

"I suspect that corruption was present there. Ibig sabihin ‘yung iba baka binili (That means, others may have been bribed)," he said in a press conference.