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Over 100 parolees set for release under interim rules

By Benjamin Pulta

May 21, 2020, 2:35 pm

<p>DOJ Undersecretary Markk Perete. <em>(File photo)</em></p>

DOJ Undersecretary Markk Perete. (File photo)

MANILA - More than 100 individuals from an initial batch of 600 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have been deemed eligible for parole under the interim rules of the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP).

In a statement Thursday, the BPP said an initial batch of 117 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) has been confirmed eligible for parole under the interim guidelines for parole and executive clemency.

These are part of the 424 PDLs deemed eligible for parole under the interim guidelines but are still awaiting clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) before their eligibility is confirmed.

Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said there will no longer be a need to quarantine the PDLs for another 14 days as there is a quarantine facility inside each penal farm and colony.

He said there are also pending requests for clemency.

The interim guidelines have simplified the procedure for the grant of parole and executive clemency to PDLs who are elderly and sick since they are considered most vulnerable to CoVid-19.

The guidelines reduced the documentary requirements for parole and clemency application from a maximum of 16 documents to just three.

PDLs who could possibly be released on parole or executive clemency under the interim guidelines need only to submit Clearances of No Pending Cases and of No Appeal from the court and an NBI clearance.

However, PDLs who committed heinous crimes or were involved in cases relating to illegal drugs, or those classified as high risk by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) will not benefit from the interim guidelines.

Parole is the conditional release of a prisoner from correctional institutions after serving the minimum period of a prison sentence.

It is granted by the BPP whenever it finds that there is a reasonable probability that, if released, the prisoner will be law-abiding and that the release will not be in conflict with the interest and welfare of society.

If a parolee violates the conditions of his parole, he shall be rearrested and recommitted or returned to prison to serve the unexpired portion of the maximum period of his sentence.

Meanwhile, executive clemency refers to the commutation or reduction of pardon, conditional pardon, and absolute pardon that may be granted by the President upon recommendation of the BPP. (PNA)

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