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FLAG urges Peralta to convene justice sector council to address jail decongestion
The Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) has urged the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC), comprising the Supreme Court (SC), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), to devise immediate plans for jail decongestion due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
FLAG expressed concern that overcrowded jails could lead to cruel and inhumane treatment of prisoners, violating constitutional rights.
The group proposed that the JSCC develop interim policies considering inmate profiles, case nature, health status, and special circumstances for early release or humanitarian treatment.
The JSCC, chaired by Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta, aims for swift and fair justice administration and has established Justice Zones in several cities to address local justice system issues.
FLAG suggested that existing Justice Zones could be utilized for initial detainee assessments, or local agencies could collaborate in areas without them.
Earlier, relatives of 22 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) also petitioned the SC for their release to decongest jails and prevent COVID-19 spread.
This petition was supported by five Party-List legislators who highlighted the risk of infection in congested detention facilities.
The SC is scheduled to discuss the PDLs' petition in a special full court session.
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The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is urging the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to expedite jail decongestion amidst rising COVID-19 cases among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).
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Nine persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and nine Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel at the Quezon City Jail have tested positive for COVID-19.
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Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra ordered the Bureau of Corrections and the Board of Pardons and Parole to expedite the release of sick and elderly prisoners or grant them executive clemency.
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The Supreme Court ordered government officials to comment on a petition for the temporary release of low-risk and vulnerable detainees due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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