THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday revealed that over 600 inmates or persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were released recently as the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) vowed to continuously exert efforts to decongest jails across the country.
“The reforms we’ve introduced are not just about improving systems; they’re about recognizing the potential in every individual and fostering their contribution to society,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement.
“Witnessing the successful reintegration of PDLs into our communities underscores our pursuit of a justice system that champions rehabilitation and collective progress,” Remulla said.
The PDLs released recently were from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City with 356 inmates; Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City, 61; Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro, 16; San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm(SRPPF) in Zamboanga City, 43; Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) in Davao del Norte, 105; Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Palawan, 24; and Leyte Regional Prison (LRP) in Abuyog, Leyte, 125.
With the recent releases, a total of 11,347 PDLs had been freed since June 2022 at the start of the Marcos administration.
Remulla stressed that the number of released PDLs is a significant progress in addressing prison congestion and enhancing the treatment of prisoners and adhering to the United Nations (UN) Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
Since July 2022, BuCor had successfully released a total of 9,228 PDLs, with 3,372 of them freed during the latter half of 2022 and 5,856 in 2023.
“The DOJ remains committed to upholding the rights and well-being of PDLs while ensuring public safety and upholding the law. These ongoing efforts aim to create a correctional system that is not only just but also focused on rehabilitation and positive societal impact,” the DOJ chief said.
To streamline the release process and improve prison management, the DOJ cited it has implemented comprehensive measures including enhancing legal support through the Public Attorney’s Office, digitizing over 48,000 records with the Single Carpeta System, and simplifying the parole and clemency processes.
It also said it has also adjusted bail recommendations for indigent litigants and fostered efficient inter-agency collaboration.
Meanwhile, between 5,000 to 7,000 prisoners who had been convicted of heinous crimes could be released if their credits for good conduct time allowance could be considered in their favor.
GCTAs, under Republic Act No. 10592, are merits given to PDLs for good behavior during their detention. The merits help shorten the jail term of PDLs.
BuCor chief Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. expressed hopes that the Supreme Court (SC) will issue a favorable ruling on the case of a PDL who was convicted of a heinous crime and who had petitioned that his GCTAs be credited so he can be released much earlier.
“Let us pray because if we win, our appeal gets granted, those convicted of heinous crimes will also get their GCTAs credited),” Catapang said.
“Hopefully the SC would decide next month if the appeal would be granted,” he said.
He said the GCTA issue reached the SC after a judge of the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) issued a ruling that the GCTA of a PDL, whom he identified as “Maclang,” should also be counted despite being convicted of a heinous crime.
Remulla had said the number of released PDLs is a significant progress in addressing prison congestion and enhancing the treatment of prisoners and adhering to the United Nations (UN) Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.