One of the 141 PDLs of the Manila City Jail Male Dormitory cries in joy after they were ordered released through Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) on the launch of Project LINO (Layang Inaasam sa Napapanahong Okasyon) on Friday, December 8, 2023. Project LINO also stands as an encouragement for other PDLs to actively participate in jail programs and activities, demonstrating their eagerness to transform into better citizens. (Arnold Quizol)
The best Christmas gift came early for 141 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Manila City Jail (MCJ) after they were ordered released for behaving and exhibiting actions during their detention that were indicative of a reformed life.
MCJ Male Dorm warden Jail Supt. Lino M. Soriano said those released were beneficiaries of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA), one of the programs of the Bureau of Jail Management Penology (BJMP) as a way of rewarding inmates who would show proof of rehabilitation.
“This is a testament to the dedication and exemplary conduct exhibited by these PDL participants who actively engaged in various rehabilitation and reformation programs,” said Soriano.
“Their commitment has earned them the privilege of early release,” he added.
Soriano, who served as the PDL’s Santa Claus with the help of the MCJ Paralegal Section, said the move was part of Project LINO, or "Layang Inaasam sa Napapanahong Okasyon".
The timely occasion for the release of the PDLs, according to Soriano, is best given during the Yuletide season in the spirit of Christmas.
Soriano explained that the project was aimed at encouraging PDLs to actively participate in jail programs and activities.
What is being monitored to be beneficiaries of the project, according to Soriano, is the demonstration of the PDLs’ eagerness to transform into better citizens of the country.
For this year, a total of 139 PDLs qualified for the project. They were released, along with two other PDLs who completed their sentence but also joined the reformation programs.
During the program, Raymund Narag, who now works as an assistant professor for Southern Illinois University after spending seven years in prison over a hazing-related case until a court cleared him, delivered an inspiring message during the ceremony.
“The management of Manila City Jail Male Dorm remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing joy to deserving PDLs to enable them to celebrate the Christmas and New Year festivities with their loved ones,” said Soriano.
The freed PDls were joined by their families as they walked out of the MCJ.