EXPLAINER: The GCTA Law that may free Antonio Sanchez

Antonio Sanchez's Convictions00:00:07

Antonio Sanchez, former mayor of Palawan, Laguna, was convicted in 1995 for the gang rape of Eileen Sarmenta and the double murder of Sarmenta and Allan Gomez. He also ordered the assassination of Nelson Peñalosa and his son. He was sentenced to nine terms of reclusion perpetua.

The Three-Fold Rule and Maximum Sentencing00:00:54

A single term of reclusion perpetua is 40 years, but Article 70 of the Revised Penal Code states that a person serving multiple sentences will serve them successively, but not more than three times the length of the most severe penalty, and in no case shall the maximum period exceed 40 years. Thus, Sanchez's sentence in effect is 40 years.

Understanding the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Law00:01:40

The GCTA Law, passed in 2013, reduces an inmate's sentence based on good behavior. The reduction rates increase over time: 20 days per month in the first two years, 23 days from the third to fifth year, 25 days from the sixth to tenth year, and 30 days every month for the eleventh year and successive years. Additional reductions are given for study, teaching, or mentoring services.

Retroactive Application of the GCTA Law00:03:04

Initially, the GCTA Law was prospective, applying only to those sentenced after 2013. However, in July, the Supreme Court unanimously declared the law retroactive, meaning it applies to all inmates, even those jailed before 2013, including Antonio Sanchez. This ruling means Sanchez, despite his heinous crimes, could be released in the next several years.