The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has recently kicked off a seminar workshop on Republic Act 10592 — referred to as the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) — to prepare for the implementation of its revised implementing rules and regulations.

Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, who provided the welcome remarks during the seminar, said that it reflects the unwavering commitment of the department under the leadership of Department of Justice (DoJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to deliver compassionate and restorative justice for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

“This is the moment when the DoJ, in close collaboration with the Bureau of Corrections, is not only refining laws but also bringing life into them. The revised GCTA IRR is a beacon of hope that offers a structured opportunity for the PDLs to reclaim their dignity, renew their purpose, and rebuild their lives,” Gutierrez said.

She added that the GCTA is far more than just a policy or a procedural framework. It is an opportunity for change, a chance for growth, and a chance for reintegration with the full recognition of the human dignity that should never be lost, no matter past actions.

“You may have the power to change the time for someone who may have believed that their future was already written,” Gutierrez said.

“Our work here contributes to a restorative justice that doesn’t just punish but also heals, with the understanding that we are building something bigger; we are helping create a society where justice is not simply enforced but also experienced — a society where every individual, no matter what their past, is given an opportunity to reclaim their future,” she added.

BuCor director general Gregorio Catapang Jr., on the other hand, urged the attendees to do what it takes to inform and help the PDLs for their early release and stressed the crucial importance of educating both staff and PDLs about the GCTA.

Catapang also appealed to actively participate in these seminars, recognizing that a deeper understanding of GCTA can significantly impact the lives of PDLs by equipping them with knowledge regarding their rights and entitlements under this allowance.

He highlighted that sharing information and best practices could empower individuals within the correctional system, ultimately promoting better conduct and paving the way for successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Following a recent landmark Supreme Court ruling, all PDLs, regardless of their crimes, are entitled to avail of the benefits of the GCTA after conviction.