DOJ EYES REDUCED BAIL TO EASE OVERCROWDING IN JAILS

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an initiative to reduce bail amounts for qualified inmates to help decongest jails that have reportedly reached a 400 percent congestion rate.

According to Justice Assistant Secretary attorney Mico Clavano, the bail for awaiting trial inmates would be lowered to either 50% of the recommended amount or P10,000, whichever is lower.

Clavano said the move is part of the DOJ’s efforts to address pre-conviction detainment issues and follows new guidelines for reduced bail amounts for indigent individuals facing non-capital offenses.

He pointed out the impact on pre-conviction detainees, stating that many are held in Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facilities without a verdict on their cases.

Under Department Circular No. 11, if the prosecutor expects a conviction, only 50% of the recommended bail or a maximum of P10,000, whichever is lower, will be recommended.

Clavano also proposed increasing the release of qualified inmates as another measure to address prison congestion.

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), an agency under the DOJ, has been regularly releasing qualified Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) through its culminating program, aiming to mitigate overcrowding in BuCor’s prison establishments.