By Fernan Angeles
OVER 60,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have been released since the implementation of community quarantine in view of the global pandemic, said an official of the Supreme Court.
Court Administrator Atty. Midas Marquez attributed the development that somehow saw jails de-clogged of detainees, to continued conduct of hearings through in-court and video conference hearing amid the pandemic.
“Hindi lahat naman ay through video conference hearing (ang nagawa) kasi ‘yung iba in-court hearings na tinatawag. Ang na-release more than 60,000 PDLs magmula noong March 17,” Marquez said.
Among those who were freed on order of the courts were detainees facing minor and bailable cases.
Marquez also took note on figures – around 54,000 video conference hearings conducted since March 17.
He however expressed regret over the death of a court personnel due to COVID-19 while some personnel and even judges tested positive for COVID-19, even as he claimed that the challenges that courts are facing in the midst of the pandemic are the fear of personnel contracting the virus, and the poor internet connection during video conference hearing.
The SC has allowed the electronic filing of cases, applications for bail, and transmission of release orders during the health emergency. Reduced bail was also allowed for indigent detainees.
Likewise, the SC has authorized several courts nationwide to hold hearings through videoconferencing, initially only on urgent matters involving detainees and later on all pending cases.
These initiatives came in the form of administrative circulars, which also included a reminder for judges to follow existing guidelines on the release of qualified detainees, such as those who have served the minimum penalty for their alleged offense.