MANILA, Philippines – More than 20 years since former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez was jailed for the gruesome murders of University of the Philippines Los Baños students Eileen Sarmenta and Allan Gomez, he continues to deny his involvement.
Recently, a public uproar began when Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra announced that Sanchez might be one of the recipients of a 2013 law increasing good conduct time allowance (GTA) that will set him free.
Amidst the backlash, Sanchez finally broke his silence on the issue and continued to claim his innocence.
He said, “Wala naman ako involvement d'yan. 'Yan naman ay love triangle, itinapon lang sa Calauan tapos ikinarga sa akin."
Sanchez swore his innocence even if the world crumbles.
He continued, "Talagang ako'y walang kasalanan, maski lumubog na itong mundo, mamatay na ang dapat mamatay kung ako ay may kasalanan."
Earlier report said that Sanchez was supposedly going to walk free within 2 months had a public clamor for the review of his jail record not been made.
Sanchez claimed, "Kung talagang susundin ang batas makakalaya na po ako, 48 years na po ako nakakulong. Marami na ho akong nagawang kabutihan, sa simbahan, lahat ng tulong binibigay ko."
The rape-slay murder of Sarmenta and Gomez happened on June 28, 1993. Two years later on March 11, 1995, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court found Sanchez guilty of the rape-slay and sentenced him to 7 terms of reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years imprisonment for each term).
Sanchez had been in jail for 24 years.
Malacañang has denounced the possible release of Sanchez. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on Friday that President Rodrigo Duterte would not allow Sanchez to be a beneficiary of the 2013 law.
Panelo said, "Mr. Sanchez, under Republic Act 10592 is not eligible. So the President as chief enforcer of the law will have to follow the law."
— Sally, The Summit Express
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| Former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez in jail | Photo Courtesy: ABS-CBN |
Recently, a public uproar began when Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra announced that Sanchez might be one of the recipients of a 2013 law increasing good conduct time allowance (GTA) that will set him free.
Amidst the backlash, Sanchez finally broke his silence on the issue and continued to claim his innocence.
He said, “Wala naman ako involvement d'yan. 'Yan naman ay love triangle, itinapon lang sa Calauan tapos ikinarga sa akin."
Sanchez swore his innocence even if the world crumbles.
He continued, "Talagang ako'y walang kasalanan, maski lumubog na itong mundo, mamatay na ang dapat mamatay kung ako ay may kasalanan."
Earlier report said that Sanchez was supposedly going to walk free within 2 months had a public clamor for the review of his jail record not been made.
Sanchez claimed, "Kung talagang susundin ang batas makakalaya na po ako, 48 years na po ako nakakulong. Marami na ho akong nagawang kabutihan, sa simbahan, lahat ng tulong binibigay ko."
The rape-slay murder of Sarmenta and Gomez happened on June 28, 1993. Two years later on March 11, 1995, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court found Sanchez guilty of the rape-slay and sentenced him to 7 terms of reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years imprisonment for each term).
Sanchez had been in jail for 24 years.
Malacañang has denounced the possible release of Sanchez. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on Friday that President Rodrigo Duterte would not allow Sanchez to be a beneficiary of the 2013 law.
Panelo said, "Mr. Sanchez, under Republic Act 10592 is not eligible. So the President as chief enforcer of the law will have to follow the law."
— Sally, The Summit Express
