Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida has pledged to eliminate the backlog in the review of Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) applications for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).
Speaking during the ceremonial release of 1,239 PDLs at the New Bilibid Prison compound in Mandaluyong City, Vida said the government is committed to ensuring the swift processing of GCTA claims. The releases, carried out from February 14 to March 28, demonstrate this effort.
At least 25 PDLs attended the ceremony, where Vida encouraged them to focus on rebuilding their lives.
“Hindi mahalaga kung gaano na karaming beses kayo nadapa, ang mahalaga ay ang inyong pagbangon,” he said, urging them to take life “one step at a time” toward a better future.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. described the release as the largest in a single month under the current administration.
He provided the breakdown: 119 acquitted, 28 granted probation, 501 with expired jail terms, 134 paroled, 58 freed through writ of habeas corpus, and 396 released under Department Order No. 652, which covers PDLs whose sentences have expired but require BuCor approval.
Catapang explained that under DO 652, PDLs sentenced to life imprisonment, reclusion perpetua, or considered high-risk or high-profile must secure clearance from the Justice Secretary before release.
He added that clearing the GCTA backlog will uphold PDLs’ rights while helping ease overcrowding in detention facilities.