Imelda’s letter to Duterte on executive clemency for Sanchez

Two years ago, then-Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos wrote a letter to President Rodrigo Duterte saying that circumstances "justify a recommendation of executive clemency" for convicted rapist and murderer Antonio Sanchez was justified.

At the Senate hearing on the controversial Good Conduct Time Allowance law and the possible release of the former Calauan, Laguna mayor, Sanchez's wife Elvira said that Marcos was among the prominent people they asked to vouch for Sanchez's good and moral conduct.

Board of Pardons and Parole Executive Director 3 Reynaldo Bayang also confirmed he received Marcos's letter.

In the letter, dated May 29, 2017 and acquired by GMA News Online on Tuesday, Marcos informed Duterte that Sanchez had an ongoing application for executive clemency by way of absolute pardon filed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Board of Pardons and Parole.

Below is a photo of the letter and its contents transcribed:

Dear President Duterte,

May I respectfully forward to you the concern of MR. ANTONIO L. SANCHEZ, former Mayor of Calauan, Laguna and currently serving his sentence at the Maximum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison. There is an ongoing application for Executive Clemency by way of Absolute Pardon filed by him pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Pardons and Parole.

He has served more than twenty four (24) years of his sentence and with the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) considered, would correspond to an estimated thirty two (32) years f service. Former Mayor Sanchez has also been granted with a Penal Colonist Status since June 14, 2012. Now seventy one (71) years old, he hopes to be released from prison due to his advanced age and failing health.

The aforesaid circumstances represent a valid attention as regards his behavior, character antecedents, mental and health condition which likewise justify a recommendation for executive clemency. Your utmost consideration on the case of Former Mayor Antonio Sanchez is highly appreciated.

Very truly yours,

IMELDA ROMUALDEZ MARCOS

Marcos noted that Sanchez, at the time, had served more than 24 years of his sentence and, "with the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) considered, would correspond to an estimated 32 years of service."

The former First Lady to late dictator Former President Ferdinand Marcos also noted that Sanchez has been granted with a "penal colonist status" since June 14, 2012.

"Now 71 years-old, he [Sanchez] hopes to be released from prison due to his advanced age and failing health," Marcos wrote.

The aforesaid circumstances, she argued, "represent a valid attention as regards is behavior character antecedents, mental and health condition which likewise justify a recommendation for executive clemency."

Sanchez is currently serving seven life sentences for the rape and murder of Eileen Sanchez and the murder of Allan Gomez. — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News