DOJ commits to zero GCTA application backlogs

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has vowed to eliminate backlogs in the review of Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) applications of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

Speaking at a ceremonial PDL release event at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Compound on Saturday, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said that they remain committed to a zero backlog in GCTA reviews.

Inmates' prison sentences are shortened by the GCTA, which helps reduce jail overcrowding and enables them to rebuild their lives.

A total of 1,239 PDLs were released during the event, making it the largest number of freed PDLs in a single month since the start of the Marcos administration in 2022, according to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).  — Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News