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Free more PDLs to decongest jails --- PBBM

Philippines | National

Free more PDLs to decongest jails --- PBBM

By Betheena Unite

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered the release of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) qualified for parole to decongest the country’s correctional facilities.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Photo courtesy of Malacañang)

Marcos made the directive during his first Cabinet meeting of the year on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

He instructed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to continue releasing PDL's as he is aware that most of the PDLs are languishing in jail because they cannot afford the services of good lawyers.

“Wala naman silang magaling na abugado (They don't have good lawyers). So that’s why we are in favor now to release many of them,” Marcos said.

“They just needed representation to set them free. So let’s continue with that,” he added.

Isolate hardened criminals

The President also backed DOJ’s plan to transfer hardened criminals to an Alcatraz-type prison, isolating them from the general population and putting a stop to their criminal activities as they were still able to direct operations while behind bars.

Marcos also pointed to the rampant corruption inside the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) as he underscored the need for inmates’ transfer to special facilities.

“Iyan yung mga ganoon we have to do that para hindi na ka maka-contact (so they can no longer make contact). Alam mo (You know), we have to isolate them properly,” Marcos said.

In its 2022 accomplishment report, the DOJ said it released almost 3,000 PDLs from July to December 2022 as an immediate step to decongest correctional facilities.

Related Tags

Bongbong Marcos release DOJ 1102 PDLs President Marcos

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