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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BuCor's PDLs now assured of legal assistance from IBP

BuCor's PDLs now assured of legal assistance from IBP

Published Apr 6, 2026 02:14 pm
Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), who are under the custody of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), are now assured of legal assistance and representation through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
The BuCor and the IBP signed on Monday, April 6, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the PDLs’ legal needs.
The MOA was signed by BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. and IBP National President Allan G. Panolong at the bureau’s headquarters in Muntinlupa City.
Catapang said “the purpose of the MOA is to promote access to justice and legal protection of PDL, facilitate lawful remedies that may contribute to sentence mitigation and penal decongestion and institutionalize legal aid services within Bucor facilities.”
Panolong, on the other hand, said “this MOA will prove that the law is a weapon of the poor and the weak and we wish to bring the IBP services to the public especially to those who have less in life.”
BuCor said that under the MOA, the IBP will provide a wide range of legal services tailored to the unique needs of the PDLs.
It said the services include representation and advice on appeals and post-conviction remedies, as well as assistance with petitions for commutation of sentence, pardon, parole, and executive clemency.
The IBP will also support PDLs in filing petitions for habeas corpus and other extraordinary writs, ensuring that their lawful rights are recognized and respected, it also said.
At the same time, the BuCor said the MOA covers applications related to good conduct time allowances (GCTA), preventive imprisonment credit, and time allowances for activities such as study, teaching, and mentoring within the facilities.
It also said that “any other legal concerns arising during incarceration will be addressed by the IBP’s legal aid services.”
On top of the legal services, the IBI will also conduct legal seminars and educational programs aimed at enhancing staff awareness and understanding of legal matters relevant to prison operations, the BuCor said.

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