SC allows reduced bail for poor detainees

The Supreme Court (SC) announced guidelines on Thursday allowing reduced bail for indigent persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) amid the coronavirus pandemic.

For minor offenses punishable with up to six months in jail, PDLs can be released on their own recognizance without paying bail.

Those charged with crimes punishable by 12 years and one day to 20 years will have bail computed based on the medium period multiplied by PHP3,000 for every year of imprisonment.