President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday vowed to expedite the processing and release of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who have already completed their sentences as he led the distribution of certificates of discharge to more than 200 persons who had been granted presidential pardon or parole.
The President, during the celebration of the 32nd National Correctional Consciousness Week, also committed to ensure that the law will be strictly enforced against everyone, regardless of their name, position, or connections, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will execute all outstanding warrants nationwide.
Marcos, during the event, said justice is not merely about meting out punishment, but also about providing a genuine opportunity for PDLs to reform their lives and start anew.
He directed the concerned agencies to expedite the processing of the lawful release of qualified PDLs along with the strengthening of rehabilitation and reintegration programs to help them rebuild their lives when they return to their communities.
He said he is aware that there are several cases of PDLs who, despite completing their sentences, failed to return home due to delays in the processing of their release and the limited, if not lack of legal assistance and access to lawyers.
The President said he encountered such a case when he was still governor of Ilocos Norte and was sure that similar cases are happening nationwide.
“Naniniwala ang pamahalaan na ang bawat taong nagkamali at humarap sa pananagutan ay dapat ding bigyan ng pagkakataon na magbago at makapagsimula muli,” Marcos said.
“Completing a sentence should mean going home to your family, not waiting on delayed paperwork,” Marcos also said.
At least 36,842 PDLs have been lawfully released and reunited with their families from July 2022 to October 2026 while 16, 179 530 have been moved to prisons and penal farms to ease congestion, data from the Katarungan Caravan showed.
Marcos said the government will continue to improve the processes and services and sustain the legal services provided to PDLs under the Katarungan Caravan.
The government is also providing PDLs with education, vocational skills, and livelihood assistance while they are still in correctional facilities to help them find decent employment and reintegrate into their communities once they are released.
The PDLs can avail of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to get their education or avail of vocational training like welding, woodcraft, and handicrafts that they can use to earn a living.
The President urged the PDLs to make the most of the education and training programs available to them and use the acquired skills to secure decent livelihoods and contribute positively to society.
A total of 24,534 PDLs participated in rehabilitation programs prior to their release while 25,210 former PDLs received assistance and referrals for livelihood opportunities following their release.