Jonathan Frederic De Santos

Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) Supervisors at the National Bilibid Prison-Maximum Security Compound meet with Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Dir. Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. as he introduces Corrections Sr. Inspector Purificacion Hari as Acting Superintendent for Maximum Security Prison in Muntinlupa City on April 12, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

Article (news)

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida is eyeing a ‘zero backlog’ on the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) applications of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).He said digitalization efforts have been helpful in expediting the processing of applications for the policy, which incentivizes good behavior by giving PDLs a chance at earlier release.“I think we&#x27;re on the right trajectory. ‘Yung projection natin na very soon, very soon, we will have zero backlog na in processing of all the GCTA applications,” he told ABS-CBN News in an exclusive interview after he led a ceremonial activity for the release of 1,239 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from February 14 to March 28, 2026 at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City Saturday, March 28.Vida said around 31,000 GCTA applications have been approved under the Marcos Jr. administration, which he said is more than the past three administrations have granted.&quot;Less than 2,000&quot; are still under review, according to Vida.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/12/bucor-says-convicts-in-flood-control-cases-will-be-sent-to-mindoro-not-metro-manila-1324">Bucor says convicts in flood control cases will be sent to Mindoro, not Metro Manila </a></div>The acting DOJ chief said he will provide a more comprehensive report on his press briefing next week as he marks his 100th day in the post.Meanwhile, the Bureau of Corrections said the zero backlog goal “signals stronger support for prisoners’ rights and rehabilitation.”It also said, quoting Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr., that releasing PDLs “alleviates overcrowding in detention facilities but also gives former inmates a chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.”<div> </div><div>’HUWAG SANANG JUDGMENTAL’ </div>In his speech, Vida encouraged the newly released PDLs to &quot;recover&quot; their lives &quot;one step at a time&quot;.He told the PDLs that the Bureau of Corrections and their release have given them a second chance.“Bagong yugto ng inyong buhay. Pero tandaan niyo ho, ang paglalakbay, sainyo po ‘yan. It’s a journey you need to take,” he said.“Tandaan niyo, baunin niyo ang aming pag-asa at pagmamahal na nawa ang aming naibahagi sa inyo ay sapat na para sa bago niyong paglalakbay,” Vida added.The acting justice chief further appealed to communities to give the PDLs another chance as they reintegrate with the community.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/4/bureau-of-corrections-eyes-major-transformation-under-marcos-administration-2218">Bureau of Corrections eyes major transformation under Marcos administration </a></div>“Sana doon sa babalikan nila, ang pakiusap — huwag sanang judgmental,” Vida told ABS-CBN News, noting that “life is about second chance”.The newly released PDLs were given certificates of discharge from prison, a grooming kit and gratuity and transportation allowance.The BuCor meanwhile noted that the latest batch “represents the largest number of PDLs freed in a single month” since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office.According to BuCor data, 501 PDLs were released after they served their maximum sentences while 396 for expired sentences covered by Department Order 652.Another 134 were paroled and 119 were acquitted. Fifty-eight were released under writs of Habeas Corpus whole 28 were granted probation and three were rekeased for other modes.The bureau noted that PDLs sentenced to life imprisonment, reclusion perpetua or those classified as high-risk or high-profile require prior approval from the secretary of justice before release.“This policy ensures proper evaluation and safeguards public safety while allowing deserving inmates to regain their freedom,” it said.

Vida said around 31,000 GCTA applications have been approved under the Marcos Jr. administration, which he said is more than the past three administrations have granted.

Vida said around 31,000 GCTA applications have been approved under the Marcos Jr. administration, which he said is more than the past three administrations have granted.

Acting DOJ chief targets ‘zero backlog’ on GCTA application processing

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Acting DOJ chief targets ‘zero backlog’ on GCTA application processing

Harlene Delgado,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 28, 2026 01:46 PM PHT

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Fredderick Vida

Department of Justice

Bureau of Corrections

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