The release of convicts who were imprisoned for heinous crimes and disqualified from reduction of sentence under the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Act is nothing short of a massive jailbreak with the consent and conspiracy of prison authorities.

Since their improvident release is errant and illegal, they must be reincarcerated as virtual fugitives to serve their full sentences.

The return to prison of these prematurely released convicts will not offend the Constitution.

There is no violation of the “due process clause” because these convicts have been afforded their right to trial and were accordingly convicted to serve prison terms. 

There is no double jeopardy since these convicts are not being tried again for the same offense and they are to be reincarcerated for having been wrongly released.

There is no violation of the prohibition on the passage of an ex post facto law because no law is being legislated even as the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Act is sought to be properly enforced.

The reckless and illicit implementation of the GCTA by prison officials like Bureau of Corrections Director Nicanor Faeldon should not go unpunished. 

The colossal blunder committed by Faeldon clearly shows that damaged and wayward officials who have previously committed malfeasance, misfeasance and nonfeasance should not be recycled to other government positions where they could commit similar culpable acts akin to recidivism. 

The recycling of garbage for reusable purposes is welcome but the recycling of rubbish officials must not be tolerated. 

EDCEL C. LAGMAN