Manila - Key justice system stakeholders convened at the Jail Decongestion Summit on Wednesday to develop strategies for addressing the overcrowding crisis in the nation's jails and prisons. Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo outlined a three-pronged approach: reducing admissions, increasing releases, and expanding jail facilities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the summit highlighted the need for cooperation, coordination, and collaboration among all five pillars of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, and the community. He emphasized that the judiciary would continue to introduce technological innovations to improve court services efficiency, reduce case processing delays, and foster justice system-wide collaboration.
Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla underscored the urgency of resolving the overcrowding issue, stating that congested correctional facilities undermine the corrections system's essence and infringe upon the basic human rights of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). Meanwhile, House Speaker Martin Romualdez indicated the House of Representatives' willingness to review and seriously consider several key proposals. These include reassessing crime classifications, particularly those deemed 'capital' and 'non-bailable,' and revising the Revised Penal Code's century-old classification system. The review will evaluate the deterrent effect of these classifications and consider decriminalizing offenses like libel, abortion, and dueling.
Romualdez also mentioned proposals for enacting laws extending diversionary measures to adult offenders and alternatives to incarceration for minor offenses and first-time offenders, aiming to reduce unnecessary admissions into penal facilities. Further legislative considerations involve the Unified Penology Act and Department of Corrections and Penology, a law on reintegration and psychosocial rehabilitation, amendments to the Recognizance Act, and strengthening the Commission on Human Rights to prevent unjust incarceration.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri addressed the summit, emphasizing that fundamental human rights apply to all Filipinos, including PDLs. "Despite their wrongdoings, they remain human beings deserving of growth and change opportunities," he stated.
The summit, conducted in collaboration with the European Union, the Australian Government, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, focused on ensuring the humane treatment and rights of PDLs while addressing the practical challenges of jail overcrowding.