SC: Over 14,000 PDLs released amid COVID-19

Over 4,000 additional detainees have been released in the past week, bringing the total number of releases to over 14,000 during the COVID-19 health emergency, according to Supreme Court figures.

From April 30 to May 8, 4,683 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) were released following administrative circulars from Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta that allowed for reduced bail and pilot testing of videoconference hearings.

Previously, from March 17 to April 29, a total of 9,731 PDLs were released through court initiatives including electronic filing of cases and transmission of release orders.

President Rodrigo Duterte previously announced that 129 indigent detainees had been released as of May 6, 2020, and that the BJMP facilitated the release of 4,188 prisoners from March 17 to April 30.

The Supreme Court's figures do not match President Duterte's reported numbers, with the SC spokesperson explaining that court records are based on reports from courts nationwide and do not differentiate custody locations.

The Department of Justice is ensuring prompt reviews of executive clemency applications by holding video conference meetings.

As of May 5, 222 BJMP jails across the country have established isolation areas for new detainees and those suspected of having COVID-19.