SC e-Dalaw releases over 4,600 PDLs in a week

Rizal 2nd District Rep. Fidel Nograles reported that the "e-Dalaw" initiative has successfully facilitated the release of over 4,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in one week through videoconferencing, highlighting the program's effectiveness amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Supreme Court (SC) has utilized videoconferencing, allowing 4,683 PDLs to have their cases heard and be released between April 30 and May 8.

Over the past six weeks, a total of 9,731 inmates have been released due to various circulars issued by the SC to alleviate jail congestion exacerbated by the pandemic.

Nograles' Lakbay Hustisya Foundation partners with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for the "e-Dalaw" program, enabling PDLs to consult lawyers via video calls.

The foundation aims to provide more computers to jails nationwide to ensure PDLs have continued access to legal assistance.

Nograles commended the SC for adapting to the pandemic's challenges by allowing virtual hearings for urgent criminal cases involving PDLs.

He also concurred with SC Associate Justice Marvic Leonen's view that addressing prison congestion is a shared responsibility among all branches of government, including local governments and the executive branch.

Nograles emphasized that prison congestion is a long-standing issue rooted in humanitarian concerns and the rehabilitative goals of the justice system, requiring a collective governmental response.