Catapang backs SC initiative for quick release of PDLs

Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. threw his support to the initiative of the Supreme Court to establish new policies that shall expedite the processing of criminal cases and the release of qualified persons deprived of liberty.

Catapang said this undertaking will be a big help in alleviating jail congestion.

He also added that the court's plans to conduct a National Jail Decongestion Summit in coordination with the Justice Sector Coordinating Council are a very welcome move that will benefit PDLs since one of the topics that will be up for discussion is the root causes of prolonged detention in jails which contribute to overcrowding.

This is aligned with the medium-term and long-term programs of the BuCor under the guidance of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Catapang said.

Under the medium-term and long-term programs pursuant to the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the BuCor is already in the process of jumpstarting the regionalization and establishment of heinous crime facilities and the implementation of BuCor Land Utilization, Control and Management pursuant to Republic Act No. 10575, also known as the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013, while under the long term program,‭ which includes the construction of one Male and one Female facility per region (except NCR), one heinous facility per island (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao), land swapping with Department of National Defense – Armed Forces of the Philippines for heinous facilities, and recovery of idle and undeveloped ceded lands in Mindoro, Palawan, Davao del Norte, and Zamboanga.‬

During the observance of this year's 28th National Correctional Consciousness Week, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo visited the National Bilibid Prison – Medium Security Camp and the Pasay City Jail where he addressed the PDLs.

In a brief dialogue with prison officials and PDLs, Gesmundo assured them that he would look into their concern regarding the compassionate interpretation of Republic Act No. 10592 or the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Law.

Under the leadership of Catapang, BuCor hastened the release of 6,322 PDL under the "Bilis Laya" program. They were released due to the expiration of their maximum sentence, acquitted of the charges against them, given parole, and granted probation while others were released on cash bond.