The Department of Justice Friday confirmed that it may release former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo Jalosjos more than ten years after he was convicted of raping an 11-year-old girl.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said his office has received a letter from the Bureau of Corrections recommending Jalosjos’ release from the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

According to BuCor officials, the former congressman had already served his 16-year jail sentence as of December 14, 2008.

Gonzalez said his office is reviewing BuCor's computation of Jalosjos' sentence, which could pave the way for the congressman's release this month. He said keeping prisoners in jail after they have served their sentence is arbitrary detention.

Jalosjos was originally sentenced to serve two life terms but his sentence was commuted by President Macapagal-Arroyo to 16 years, three months and three days on June 13, 2007.