The Office of the President has returned to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the list of 301 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who have been recommended for executive clemency.
Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief Persida V. Rueda-Acosta said on Thursday that more PDLs will be freed starting October 25, despite the delay due to established processes.
Acosta said the returned list of PDLs was earlier approved by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and submitted to Malacanang during the Sept. 13 birthday of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“We are reviewing the recommendation that we previously sent to the Palace. The paper was returned to legal),” Acosta said in a media briefing.
The PAO chief earlier appealed to the Office of the President to approve those recommended for release most of whom are elderly and ailing PDLs.
According to her, the DOJ and concerned agencies are preparing to release a large number of PDLs this month of October similar to the 371 inmates freed last Sept. 13.
“On Oct. 25, we are set to release more PDLs and the ceremony will be led by Secretary Remulla,” she said.
“Those who have served their sentence and those who are already overstaying will be prioritized in the release),” she added.
As part of the preparations, she said she held a meeting last Wednesday, Oct. 5 with DOJ Undersecretary Deo L. Marco and representatives of the Bureau of Corrections and the Board of Pardons and Parole.
