SC releases 18,355 PDLs to decongest jails amid COVID-19

A total of 18,355 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have been released as of May 15 through measures adopted by the Supreme Court (SC) to decongest detention facilities and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Most of the released individuals were initially held in Philippine National Police (PNP) lockup cells during the enhanced community quarantine.

Some PDLs were also released from Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and provincial jails after posting reduced bail, on self-recognizance, or after serving the minimum penalty for their charges.

Minors or Children in Conflict with the Law (CICLs) were also released to their parents during the enhanced community quarantine.

The SC anticipates further releases and the resumption of hearings for both criminal and civil cases as more courts transition to general community quarantine and adopt videoconferencing for proceedings.

In response to the pandemic, the SC implemented measures to protect court officials, personnel, and the public, including the physical closure of courts in ECQ/MECQ areas and the use of skeleton workforces in GCQ areas.

Urgent matters, especially those involving PDLs, were prioritized by justices and judges.

The SC also allowed online filing of cases, bail petitions, and other court pleadings, providing contact information through its website.

Approximately 1,000 trial courts were directed to conduct hearings and proceedings via video conferencing.

Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta emphasized the SC's focus on PDLs, highlighting their presumption of innocence and vulnerability to infection, which could be tantamount to an unproven death penalty.