MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have amended the rules for Republic Act 10592 or the Revised Penal Code, allowing heinous crime convicts to earn Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) for reduced sentences.
The signing ceremony held at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa were led by DOJ Undersecretaries Deo Marco and Raul Vasquez as well as DILG Undersecretary Serafin Barretto Jr.
Officials of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) were also present.
During the signing ceremony, Vasquez announced that around 8,000 BuCor inmates and 1,000 BJMP convicts are expected to benefit from the revised rules, adding that this would lead to the decongestion of jails.
He noted that the Supreme Court’s approval of GCTA for heinous crime convicts corresponds with the justice system’s focus on rehabilitation.
Under the amended rules, prison authorities are mandated to inform the inmate, upon commitment, of the provisions of the RPC on preventive imprisonment credits.
“This manifesto is a reflection of the Marcos administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding and fostering the welfare of inmates by delivering compassionate justice with paramount consideration for human dignity and human rights,” DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said the revised rules would bring hope to inmates frustrated by slow court hearings and delayed releases.
“We are giving them something to look forward to,” Catapang said.
He said the congestion rate at the NBP decreased from 350 percent to 250 percent.
Catapang also touted the BuCor’s accomplishments, including the expanded e-dalaw system, livelihood programs and better rehabilitation mechanisms for inmates.
The amended rules will take effect 15 days after publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.