A pilot computer-based application designed to compute the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) was launched at the Zamboanga City Jail Male Dormitory (ZCJMD) as part of the decongestion efforts of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
In collaboration with the ZCJMD Paralegal and PDL Records Unit, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) program officer Niccolo Tobia rolled out a series of workshops, consultations, and systems validation on the utilization of the GCTA calculator for the whole month of December with 12 Paralegal and PDL records personnel and 23 PDLs.
ZCJMD warden Supt. Xavier Solda explained that the enhanced GCTA calculator is a cost-effective verification tool for paralegal officers that features a user-friendly interface, integrating provisions for additional time allowances, including Time Allowance for Study, Teaching, and Mentoring (TASTM) and Special Time Allowance for Loyalty (STAL) for PDL.
He noted that it also features deductions arising from violations of jail rules and regulations to reinforce the importance of good behavior and adherence to the policies of the unit, aligning with the rehabilitative goals while ultimately aiming to decongest the heavily congested facility.
With the implementation of the program, Solda thanked the UNODC for providing the technical know-how of the improved system, emphasizing the value of the tool in the efficient delivery of paralegal services to PDL.
“The management is keen toward promoting transparency and efficiency in the GCTA computations by empowering PDL to independently compute their earned time allowance as an additional oversight mechanism to ensure accuracy of computation and ensure the prevention of overstaying in jail,” Solda said.
“Allowing them to learn how their GCTA are being computed provides a rehabilitative mindset to engage in activities such as education, skills training, and mentoring, which qualify for additional time allowances,” he added.
ZCJMD Paralegal Unit chief Senior Jail Officer 4 Michael Badeo emphasized the importance of the tool, particularly during their one-on-one paralegal consultations.
“The calculator facilitates a clearer understanding of the PDL detention status and the legal remedies available to potentially expedite their release,” Badeo noted.
BJMP chief Jail Director Ruel Rivera reiterated his support to ensure the timely implementation of granting GCTA among qualified PDL following the new Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 10592 or the GCTA Law.
He also called for the active collaboration with concerned government agencies to enhance justice delivery in jail units.
In partnership with the Zamboanga City Justice Zone, the ZCJMD under Solda facilitated the release of 1,993 under the Justice Bilis Zamboanga, a jail decongestion program of the unit starting in 2023.