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)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) will release about 3,000 to 5,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) this Christmas season a high ranking official said Saturday.

“More or less, makakapagpalaya kami ng mga 3,000 to 5,000 PDLs [this] December po,” BJMP chief Jail Director Ruel Rivera.

PDLs are receiving full Good Conduct Time Allowance from the jail management bureau, the main reason why many will be released this Christmas season Rivera said

GCTA is a privilege granted to a prisoner, whether detained or convicted by final judgment, entitling him to a reduction of his jail or prison term for every month of actual detention or service of sentence as a reward for good conduct and exemplary behavior.

Meanwhile, BJMP earlier said that a total of 74,590 PDLs had already been released since January to October this year.

Almost 10,000 PDLs were released after serving their sentences; 6,000 were transferred to the Bureau of Corrections, while the majority were released due to GCTA.

(AI/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is anticipated to grant pardons to almost 1,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) this Christmas season, according to Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano on Friday (01 Dec 2023).

“This granting of pardon occurs annually, typically coinciding with the President’s birthday and Christmas. We compile a list for the Parole and Probation Administration, which is then forwarded to the Executive Secretary,” explained Clavano.

He mentioned that they expect a similar number of recipients as last year, nearly 1,000 PDLs.

While Clavano couldn’t confirm the exact number, he emphasized that there is no specific priority list.

“Qualification is the key factor. Whether a person qualifies for pardon, parole, or probation, those are the criteria for inclusion. We do not prioritize individuals; it’s about their eligibility.”

Clavano further clarified, “We consider factors such as age, disabilities, or severe illness. Elderly individuals or those with health issues are eligible for a pardon, as detaining them would lack humanitarian considerations and be detrimental to their well-being.”

(AI/MNM)