By Brian Campued
The Department of Justice (DOJ), through the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), on Monday arranged a “special job fair” for the 509 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) who were released in observance of the 30th National Correctional Consciousness Week (NCCW) every last week of October.
According to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, the said grant of release to PDLs is part of the jail decongestion efforts of the government.
PDLs released were those with expired prison terms, elderly or sickly, those qualified under the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Law, and those granted parole/executive clemency.
In partnership with prominent business enterprises such as BP One Foods, Inc., Breakfast at Antonio’s, Pedro the Grocer, Balay Dako, and PGA Cars, the special job fair allows former inmates to explore and venture into various livelihood or business opportunities to help them reintegrate into society.
These activities also intend to ramp up the corrections system of the country aligned with the broader initiatives of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC), composed of the DOJ, the Supreme Court, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, to serve as a mechanism to streamline core justice functions by coordination and collaboration.
“Justice is an inherent right which should be accorded to both the free and the incarcerated, this is the true essence of delivering Real Justice for All under the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance where human rights are always given paramount consideration,” Remulla stated.
“The DOJ remains steadfast in its mission to ensure a safe, humane, and effective rehabilitation of all PDLs under its care, in line with international standards and the country’s justice reform agenda,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Justice chief lauded BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. for tirelessly exploring possible opportunities for PDLs to start a new life.
“We are not merely rehabilitating prisoners but transforming their lives as well to become better people in the future vital for nation building,” Remulla said.
—iro