SC: Inmates freed due to COVID-19 reach 58,625

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 58,625 inmates have been released all over the country since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March, the Supreme Court (SC) announced yesterday.

Based on SC records, the inmates, including children in conflict with the law and those who have served their minimum prison terms, were freed from March 17 to Aug. 14.

The National Capital Region released the most number of prisoners with 12,726 followed by Calabarzon with 10,354 each, Central Luzon with 7,855, Central Visayas with 6,970 and Ilocos Region with 4,483.

SC administrator Midas Marquez said the high court has ordered trial courts to speed up the release of qualified inmates to decongest jails and prevent the spread of the virus.

Marquez said they adopted video conferencing to swiftly act on the bail petitions of inmates.

House records 44th case

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives recorded its 44th case of COVID-19 over the weekend.

House secretary general Jose Luis Montales said another employee tested positive for the virus.

Last week, Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Francisco Datol Jr. succumbed to the disease.