Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 3) — Then Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos recommended the early release of convicted rapist and murderer Antonio Sanchez in 2017.

In a letter to President Rodrigo Duterte, bearing the official letterhead of the House of Representatives, Marcos said the circumstances surrounding Sanchez's continued detention – "his behavior, character antecedents, mental and health condition... justify a recommendation for executive clemency."

She vouched for the former Calauan, Laguna mayor's behavior in jail, saying that the 24 years he had served would correspond to 32 years under the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) provision in the Revised Penal Code. The measure cuts inmates' jail time based on good behavior.

She added that Sanchez hopes to be freed "due to his advanced age and failing health."

"Your utmost consideration on the case of Former Mayor Antonio Sanchez is highly appreciated," Marcos said.

A copy of the former First Lady's letter was obtained by the media on Tuesday, during the Senate's probe on the implementation of the GCTA law. The Board of Pardons and Parole in 2018 denied Sanchez's petition, citing the "gravity of the offenses he has committed."

Senator Imee Marcos, daughter of the former First Lady, shrugged off the controversy about her mother's letter.

"Pangkaraniwan naman sa mga pulitiko na talagang may lumapit, tutulungan, pagkatapos picture taking, sangkatutak na picture," the younger Marcos said on CNN Philippines' Politics as Usual, before discussing the expanded GCTA law.

[Translation: It's common for politicians to be approached for help. They would help and then they'll pose for pictures, lots of pictures.]

Sanchez's common-law wife, Elvira, told the Senate hearing she also asked for recommendation letters from former Supreme Court Associate Justice Arturo Brion, and some mayors and vice mayors. She did not say what happened to these requests.

The Senate hearing also revealed that Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo referred the Sanchez family's executive clemency application to the Board of Pardons and Parole in February 2019. Panelo, who served as counsel for Sanchez in his 1993 rape-slay case, said he was merely following procedures and that he did not know that Sanchez's petition had previously been junked.

Sanchez was convicted for the rape and murder of Eileen Sarmenta and the murder of Allan Gomez, students of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños. He and his henchmen were sentenced to seven terms of reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years of imprisonment. The high-profile case was thrust back into the spotlight following reports that Sanchez would be released for demonstrating good behavior in prison. Following public outrage, Malacañang said there would be no release for Sanchez, as he is disqualified from getting his sentence commuted because he committed a heinous crime.