Almost 300 persons deprived of liberty (DPLs) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City have sought legal consultation with the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) for their possible release.
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said the legal consulation was done last Dec. 19 during the visist of PAO lawyers.
BuCor said the consultation "aims to declog court dockets, reduce overcrowding in detention facilities, and release PDLs who have served their maximum sentence."
“This is in line with the government's Social Justice Program, particularly initiated by the Department of Justice (DOJ),” it said.
The 288 PDLs who sought legal consultation are from the NBP's maximum-security compound, it also said.
On top of the free legal consultation, PAO also provided free medical services during its visit with the help from Manila Central University (MCU) Hospital, De Ocampo Memorial College of Dentistry, and Executive Optical.
“This initiative provided support and relief to the PDLs, ensuring that their legal rights are upheld, their medical needs addressed, and efforts are being exerted to alleviate the overcrowding situation within the prison,” BuCor said.
“The PAO's initiative underscores their commitment to promoting justice and improving the welfare of those who are incarcerated,” it noted.