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Gov't simplifies requirements, process for parole, executive clemency applications


The government is simplifying the requirements and processing of applications for parole and executive clemency for certain inmates in an effort to address prison overcrowding to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a resolution approved by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, the Board of Pardons and Parole removed "most" documentary requirements, except for court certifications that an inmate has no pending cases and appeals, and a record check by the National Bureau of Investigation.

Under the interim rules, parolees and pardonees are also no longer required to report to parole and probation officers while the state of national emergency is in place, Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said Wednesday.

The resolution also requires the BPP to double their caseload for review and deliberation during its meetings to speed up the processing of applications, Perete said in a statement.

He said the simplified requirements and procedure apply to petitions of inmates qualified for parole of executive clemency, as well as applicants who are over 65 years old and have served at least five years of their sentence, or those whose imprisonment is "inimical to their health," as attested by a physician certified by the Department of Health or designated by the Malacanang clinic director.

"In the processing of parole or executive clemency review, priority shall be given to PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) who are already of old age, sickly or are suffering from terminal or life-threatening illnesses, or with serious disability," the resolution states.

Persons convicted of heinous crimes or in cases involving illegal drugs, or those classified as "high risk" by the Bureau of Corrections are excluded from the coverage of the new resolution.

Perete said the resolution to some extent amounts to a relaxation of the rules.

"The general requirements for eligibility for parole remains. But those who are not eligible may apply for clemency if they meet the criteria set under the resolution," he said in a message to reporters.

"Note also that the part of the resolution allowing applications by those 65 years old and above with the conditions stated is new," he said.

Guevarra earlier said the Department of Justice (DOJ) was studying calls for the release of "low-risk offenders" as COVID-19 threatens Philippine prisons and jails. Several inmates and staff members have been infected.

Perete said the interim rules are part of the DOJ study. "Other proposals are still being vetted," he said.—AOL/LDF, GMA News

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