House committee recommends temporary bail for prisoners amid COVID-19

The House Committee on Justice has recommended the temporary release on bail of prisoners, especially vulnerable ones, to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the country's congested jails.

The committee cited the Philippines' high prison congestion rates and suggested following the examples of countries like Iran, Germany, and Canada in temporarily releasing certain inmates.

The recommendation emphasizes the need for prompt action during the public health emergency, arguing that inaction could be a death sentence for detainees awaiting trial.

The panel proposed creating an ad hoc committee, composed of representatives from various government agencies and legal organizations, to establish guidelines for the temporary release of qualified Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) for humanitarian reasons.

PDLs who could qualify for temporary release include first-time offenders, those aged 60 and above, individuals with underlying health conditions, and those detained for non-violent, bailable offenses who cannot afford bail.

The House committee suggested that the Supreme Court could facilitate the release by reducing bail to a nominal amount or by promulgating new rules.

The Department of Health would be responsible for ensuring that qualified PDLs are tested for COVID-19 and cleared before their release.

All released PDLs would be subject to regular monitoring by barangay officials and police personnel in accordance with Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) guidelines.