The Supreme Court (SC) asked respondents to comment on the petition asking for the release of vulnerable persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) amid the COVID-19 crisis in the country.
“The Supreme Court, without giving due course to the Petition, ordered respondents to file a Comment by April 24, 2020. This period is non-extendible,” SC Spokesperson Brian Hosaka said.
Hosaka added the respondents are directed to “take the necessary interim preventive measures” required by the national emergency on COVID-19 and provide to the Court within the same period “a verified report.”
A group of political prisoners’ relatives have filed a petition last week requesting for the temporary release of their kin in prison. Low-risk offenders, elderly prisoners, pregnant PDLs, and inmates with preexisting medical conditions are included in their request.
“We would have wanted a speedier and accelerated process especially so that the contagion is starting already in some jails. The time bomb is ticking faster and louder,” National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers President Atty. Edre Olalia explained.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) reported early on Friday that nine prisoners in Quezon City Jail have tested positive for COVID-19. ##
Report from Kenneth Paciente
