Amid the suspension of jail visitation privileges for inmates because of the coronavirus pandemic, the chief of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) lauded the efforts of a neophyte lawmaker to ensure that inmates still have access to consultations with their lawyers and their families using digital technology.
BJMP Chief Jail Director Allan Iral commended Rizal 2nd District Rep. Fidel Nograles for donating 40 computers to remote and highly congested jails all over the country.
“This program is one of the ways to go forward in terms of ensuring PDLs’ access to justice.”
“We wish to thank Rep. Nograles for his donation. This will go a long way in ensuring that our inmates can still avail of their rights despite the enforced quarantine,” Iral said.
The computers will be used to facilitate the Electronic Dalaw or “e-Dalaw” program, where persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) can communicate with their relatives and lawyers online.
The program allows PDLs to use Skype or Facebook for 10 to 15 minutes daily to avail of “electronic visits.”
“Umaasa tayo na sa pamamagitan ng e-Dalaw, patuloy na uusad ang hustisya sa kabila ng quarantine. This program is one of the ways to go forward in terms of ensuring PDLs’ access to justice as we grapple with the many uncertainties brought about by the pandemic,” Nograles, a Harvard-trained lawyer and legal aid advocate, said.
Nograles is the founder of Lakbay Hustisya Foundation, a legal aid trust fund organized to support legal aid activities around the Philippines. The Foundation partnered with BJMP in providing free online legal services to PDLs.
Iral noted that the e-Dalaw and Lakbay Hustisya’s work with PDLs is crucial in efforts to decongest jails.
The Supreme Court has implemented measures to address jail congestion such as allowing reduced bail and recognizance for indigent prisoners, while the Department of Justice has relaxed rules for parole and executive clemency.
The program allows PDLs to use Skype or Facebook for 10 to 15 minutes daily to avail of “electronic visits.”
Nograles, meanwhile, vowed to enlist the help of other legal aid groups so that a larger number of indigent inmates eligible for release under SC and DOJ guidelines could be accommodated.
“Aktibo po kaming nakikipag-usap sa iba pang kasamahan natin sa legal profession. Mahalaga pong magtulungan tayo hindi lang para mabawasan ang dami ng mga PDL sa mga overcrowded jails, kundi para na rin masiguro na mabigyan ng hustisya ang marami sa ating mahihirap na kababayan na nakulong dahil sa maling hatol.”