BuCor backs SC plan to expedite cases

Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has expressed support for the Supreme Court's initiative to expedite the processing of criminal cases and the release of qualified individuals deprived of liberty.

Catapang emphasized that this effort would significantly contribute to alleviating jail congestion. He also welcomed the SC's plans to organize a National Jail Decongestion Summit in coordination with the Justice Sector Coordinating Council.

He believed the move would greatly benefit PDLs, as one of the key discussion topics would be the root causes of prolonged detention in jails, a factor contributing to overcrowding.

The initiative aligns with the medium-term and long-term programs of BuCor under the guidance of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Catapang said.

The medium-term and long-term programs are outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 which BuCor submitted to the Department of Justice and the Office of the President.

BuCor, Catapang said, is in the process of jumpstarting the regionalization and establishment of heinous crimes facilities.

He explained they are also implementing BuCor Land Utilization, Control, and Management in accordance with RA 10575, also known as The Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013.

The long-term program includes the construction of one male and one female facility per region (except in Metro Manila), one heinous facility per island (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao), land swapping with the Department of National Defense – Armed Forces of the Philippines for heinous facilities, and the 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 Gesmundo visited the National Bilibid Prison — Medium Security Camp and the Pasay City Jail. He addressed PDLs during the visit.

In a brief dialogue with prison officials and PDLs, Gesmundo assured them that he would examine their concerns regarding the compassionate interpretation of Republic Act 10592, also known as the Good Conduct Time Allowance Law.

Under the Marcos government, BuCor expedited the release of 6,322 PDLs under the "Bilis Laya" program. These individuals were released for various reasons, including the expiration of their maximum sentences, acquittal of charges, parole, probation, and release on cash bond.