MANILA – The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Tuesday said it released 43 qualified persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) on the same day their documents were reviewed under the bureau’s Bilis Laya program.
First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos and more than 200 lawyers visited the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City to help process the legal requirement papers of inmates already qualified for release.
The expedited one-day release processing is a first in BuCor’s history, aiming to speed up the evaluation and processing of cases and documents for qualified PDLs and help ensure those eligible for release are not subjected to unnecessary delays.
Over 200 lawyers participated in the program to provide legal assistance and review PDL records and cases, allowing the BuCor to complete the assessment and release process for the 43 beneficiaries within a single day.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said this was unprecedented, made possible by volunteer lawyers and the First Lady.
Catapang described the milestone as a significant step toward improving access to justice and promoting efficient correctional services.
The program also highlights the importance of collaboration between government agencies, legal professionals and other stakeholders in addressing the concerns of incarcerated individuals.
The Bilis Laya program is expected to continue assisting qualified PDLs whose release may be facilitated through the proper review and completion of legal documents.
Through the initiative, the BuCor seeks to uphold the rights of PDLs while ensuring that all releases comply with existing laws and regulations.
