On Good Conduct and Time Allowance

AS WE write this column we read print and broadcast media reports about former Sandiganbayan Justice Harriet Demetriou expressing her strong opposition to the possible release from detention of former Mayor Antonio Sanchez allegedly on Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) while in detention in Muntinlupa National Penitentiary. Claiming that Sanchez does not qualify under existing laws for release as he is charged with heinous crime and his conduct and behavior while in detention is far from good as he has violated prison rules while in detention, the former Justice at the same time demanded for the resignation of Malacanang spokesperson and Secretary of Information Salvador Panelo claiming that as former lawyer of Sanchez, the Secretary must have been aware of the conduct of convict Antonio Sanchez. Parenthetically, former Justice Demetriou, who hails from a well-known and respected family in Tabaco, Albay (her brother Atty. Tony Demetrio was a former mayor of Tabaco), was assigned as Regional Trial Court Judge in Iriga City, before she was appointed as Sandiganbayan Justice. Be that as it may, it would seem that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has already made the pronouncement that Sanchez would remain in detention while the GCTA provisions are under review. It would seem that President DU3 has succumbed to general public’s clamor against the release of Sanchez.

Recently, officers and members of the Real Estate Brokers Association (REBAP) Camarines Sur and Naga Chapter made a courtesy call on Mayor Nelson Legacion and the exchange of views on how the association and the individual member-realtors can effectively contribute to Naga’s progress was a welcome development. Mayor Legacion laid down his plans for Naga during his term and encouraged the realtors to be Naga’s partners in seeking the welfare of the premier city of Bicol and its constituency. He said that as realtors their role in Naga’s development is essential.

TRIVIA: Congratulations to the Officers and Members of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Jorge Barlin Assembly, on the occasion of their 52nd Charter Anniversary and Installation of Officers for CY2019-2020 last Sunday, August 25. SK Julian R. Prima, District Master was the Guest of Honor. The Assembly is presently headed by SK Errol P. Delena, Faithful Navigator.

Greetings to our family friend Mely de Guzman who will be celebrating her birthday anniversary this coming August 30 with a luncheon-fellowship among her friends at Avenue Plaza. Ms de Guzman was the former Civil Registrar of Naga.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Camarines Sur Chapter, is sponsoring what it dubbed as “Mental Wellness-Heart Health seminar this coming August 30 at the IBP Hall, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. The Resource Speaker on Mental Wellness is Dr. Gayle Abonal Gomez, Clinical Psychologist, while the Resource Speaker on Heart Health is Dr. Osler F. Carino, M.D., FPCP, FPCC. All IBP members are encouraged to attend.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “YOU HAVE TO ALWAYS UPHOLD WHAT IS RIGHT ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE IN POWER.” GINA LOPEZ

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “THE NAME OF THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER, THE RIGHTEOUS RUN INTO IT AND ARE SAFE.” PROVERBS 18:10