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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ vows zero backlog in PDLs' good conduct review

DOJ vows zero backlog in PDLs' good conduct review

Published Mar 28, 2026 03:49 pm
Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida has assured a cleanup of the backlog in the review of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) applications of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under the custody of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).
Under Republic Act No. 10592, the GCTA law, the PDLs' credits for good behavior shorten their period of imprisonment.
Vida’s assurance was given in his message during the ceremonial release of 1,239 PDLs at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) compound in Mandaluyong City.
The PDLs’ release from Feb. 14 to March 28, 2026, marked the government's commitment to the swift processing of GCTA claims, he said.
At least 25 PDLs were present during the event. They were encouraged by Vida to embrace their future rather than be swallowed up by their past.
“Hindi mahalaga kung gaano na karaming beses kayo nadapa, ang mahalaga ay ang inyong pagbangon (It does not matter how many times you fell, what matters is how you rise up)," he said.
At the same time, Vida urged the freed PDLs to take life one step at a time, “as each step -- no matter how difficult -- will lead them to a better tomorrow.”
He also hoped that their incarceration has helped them reflect on their past mistakes and become more mindful of their behaviors and actions as these have a huge impact on others.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. said that the recent release of PDLs marks the largest number of PDLs freed in a single month since the recent administration.
Of those released, Catapang said, 119 had been acquitted of their criminal charges; 28, granted probation; 501, expired jail terms; 134, paroled; 58, granted writ of habeas corpus; and 396 with expired jail terms under Department Order No. 652 which mandates the release of PDLs in national penitentiaries whose sentences have already expired subject to approval by the BuCor director general.
Under DO 652, PDLs sentenced to life imprisonment, reclusion perpetua, or those classified as high-risk or high-profile require prior approval from the Secretary of Justice before release.
Aside from supporting PDLs' rights and rehabilitation, the zero backlog in GCTA reviews will also alleviate the overcrowding issue in detention facilities, Catapang also said.
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