DOJ, DILG revise implementing rules on regulations on GCTA law

September 17, 2019

Prisoners convicted of heinous crimes cannot be awarded with credits under the revised implementing rules and regulations of the expanded Good Conduct Time Allowance Law (GCTA)

The revised implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 10592 was signed on Monday by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año. 

The promulgation of the new IRR of RA 10592 came after it was recommended by the Joint Committee of the Department of Justice and Department of Interior and Local Government following a 10-day review.

The new IRR can be implemented after it is published  in two newspapers of general circulation.

“To the extent that we can implement without having to come up with a very detailed operating manual, we will start processing. But if we find it difficult without a uniform manual, then we may have to defer it,” Guevarra said.

Guevarra said recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees and those charged with heinous crimes are also excluded from earning time allowances for study, teaching and mentoring and loyalty, and credit for preventive imprisonment.

A revised IRR was needed after the Bureau of Corrections allowed the release of 1,914 convicts of heinous crimes after their sentences were shortened by GCTAs.

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered these released convicts to "surrender" until September 19 or be labeled as fugitives and, according to Guevarra, possibly be subject to warrantless arrests.  DMS