Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Friday vowed to support the enforcement of the new Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10592 or the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Law.

“The DILG affirms its commitment to the implementation of the revised IRR as we anticipate improvement in prison decongestion in the upcoming years,” Remulla said in his speech delivered by Undersecretary Serafin Barretto, Jr. during the signing of the revised IRR with Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Raul Vasquez.

According to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the Philippines’ current jail congestion rate is 306 percent. The jail population in the 482 BJMP-controlled jails nationwide stands at 117,767 as of October 31, 2024 as opposed to the ideal jail population of 33,325.

Remulla said the revision in the IRR will result in a more restorative and compassionate justice as more persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) are likely to be released.

“With the new IRR, we are exhibiting inclusivity and fairness to PDLs by providing them grants that can reduce the length of their sentences, provided that they exhibit the qualifications stated in the law,” he said.

Remulla said BJMP’s single carpeta system will be useful “in monitoring the grants to PDLs to ensure the timely implementation of their eventual release.”

Earlier, the High Court En Banc ruled that persons convicted of heinous crimes should also enjoy the privileges indicated in the GCTA Law. The law allows PDLs to earn time credits for good behavior to be deducted from their sentences.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/Remulla-vows-support-for-implementation-of-Good-Conduct-Time-Allowance-IRR/NC-2024-1155