A total of 108 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were released from the Mandaue City Jail–Male Dormitory on Monday, December 22, just three days before Christmas, after qualifying for the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).
City Jail Warden Jail Superintendent Jessie James Gingoyon said the three-digit number of releases marks a historic milestone for the Mandaue City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), as it is the highest number of GCTA releases ever recorded by the facility, based on confirmation from the BJMP National Headquarters.
“This is historic. After verifying with the BJMP National Headquarters, this is the highest number of releases we have had, reaching a three-digit figure with 108 PDLs,” Gingoyon said.
The previous GCTA release was recorded on October 31, when 89 PDLs were freed.
The GCTA, provided under Republic Act 10592, allows qualified PDLs to earn reductions in their prison sentences through good behavior, participation in rehabilitation programs, and engagement in productive activities. The program also helps address jail congestion.
Gingoyon said the Mandaue City Jail currently houses 1,659 male PDLs, far exceeding its ideal capacity of 400, resulting in more than 300 percent congestion.
Following their release, the Mandaue City Government, through the City Social Welfare and Services Office (CSWSO), provided the former PDLs with rice and Christmas gift bundles to support them as they reintegrate into their communities.
Gingoyon described the release as timely, calling it a “Christmas release,” although preparations had already been completed prior to the holiday season.
He explained that PDLs may qualify for early release under the GCTA if they strictly comply with jail rules and actively participate in rehabilitation programs, including drug and alcohol rehabilitation, interfaith activities, alternative learning, and livelihood training.
Under the system, a PDL serving a one-year sentence who avails of plea bargaining and passes screening by the BJMP Management Screening and Evaluation Committee may have their sentence reduced by approximately 20 to 30 percent, allowing them to serve only about eight months.
Gingoyon noted that around 80 percent of the jail population is facing drug-related cases, which is why drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs are heavily emphasized.
PDLs also earn points through participation in religious services, welfare and development activities, and livelihood programs. These programs include skills training such as crafting PVC lamps, wood carving, producing art items, and baking bread and pastries. Points earned are converted into days deducted from their sentences.
Performance and eligibility are evaluated by the Management Screening and Evaluation Committee, chaired by the deputy warden and composed of representatives from the paralegal, health, records, and welfare and development units.
Upon their release, the former PDLs wore white shirts symbolizing renewal and transformation, replacing their yellow inmate uniforms.
“We hope and pray that they carry with them the lessons they learned during their incarceration,” Gingoyon said.
He added that jail facilities have evolved from being purely punitive to adopting a rehabilitative approach aligned with United Nations standards, which are now implemented at the Mandaue City Jail.
However, Gingoyon emphasized that PDLs released under the GCTA who later commit new offenses and return to jail will no longer be eligible to avail themselves of the same privilege. (VCL)
