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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Thousands of PDLs convicted of heinous crimes could be released if their good conduct credits are considered -- Bucor

Thousands of PDLs convicted of heinous crimes could be released if their good conduct credits are considered -- Bucor

Published Jan 30, 2024 05:25 am

Between 5,000 to 7,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who had been convicted of heinous crimes could be released if their credits for good conduct time allowance (GCTAs) could be considered in their favor.

GCTAs, under Republic Act No. 10592,  are merits given to PDLs for good behavior during their detention.  The merits help shorten the jail term of PDLs.

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. expressed hopes that the Supreme Court (SC) will issue a favorable ruling on the case of a PDL who was convicted of a heinous crime and who had petitioned that his GCTAs be credited so he can be released much earlier.

“Magdasal tayo kasi ‘pag nanalo tayo, napagbigyan ang ating kahilingan lahat ng may mga heinous crime ay dapat mabilang pa ang kanilang good conduct (Let us pray because if we win, our appeal gets granted, those convicted of heinous crimes will also get their GCTAs credited),” Catapang said.

“Hopefully the SC would decide next month kung pagbibigyan tayo (if the appeal wouldl be granted),” he said. 

He said the GCTA issue reached the SC after a judge of the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) issued a ruling that the GCTA of a PDL, whom he identified as “Maclang," should also be counted despite being convicted of a heinous crime.

“Sinasabi ng ating lower court na dapat irecognize ang GCTA ni PDL Maclang kahit na nakagawa ang heinous crimes (The lower court said the GCTA of PDL Maclang should also be recognized even if he committed heinous crimes),” he said.

A total of 11,347 PDLs had been freed since June 2022 at the start of the administration under President Marcos.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla had said the number of released PDLs is a significant progress in addressing prison congestion and enhancing the treatment of prisoners and adhering to the United Nations (UN) Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

 

 

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