MORE PDLS TO BE RELEASED IN THE COMING DAYS, SAYS DOJ

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Additional persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) are set to be released shortly under the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Law, following the recent release of eight individuals.

This initiative is part of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ongoing efforts to alleviate congestion in prison facilities.

“This marks just the beginning of PDL releases, with more anticipated in the days ahead,” stated Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

“Addressing prison overcrowding is a moral imperative and the first step towards providing PDLs with a more humane and conducive environment for their rehabilitation,” Remulla emphasized.

This development comes after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. granted executive clemency to 22 PDLs on March 9, based on recommendations from the DOJ.

Some PDLs received a commutation of service, while others were granted a conditional pardon.

“I express my sincere gratitude to President Marcos for his steadfast support of the Department’s efforts to tackle prison overcrowding,” Remulla remarked.

(el Amigo/MNM)