The Department of Justice is set to continue its annual program on recommending persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to Malacañang as possible beneficiaries of the presidential grant of pardon and executive clemency.

DOJ Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Mico Clavano on Friday said that this is part of the agency’s jail decongestion efforts.

Although Clavano has not cited a specific number of PDLs to be recommended, the DOJ expects it to be “close to 1,000.”

“Ang ginawa po ni Secretary on the President’s birthday and on Christmas, mayroon po tayong binibigay na listahan sa PPA (Parole and Probation Administration); and then eventually, aakyat po ‘yan sa Executive Secretary” he said during a Palace press briefing.

“Last year, it was close to one thousand. So, we’re expecting a similar (number) this year,” he said.

Among those qualified for the amnesty program include elderlies and persons with disabilities, Clavano clarified.

He also mentioned the parallel effort to decongest the court dockets by promulgating rules on custodial hearings and requiring bail.

The DOJ spokesperson highlighted the National Justice Information System as the agency’s support on digitalization that further increases the effectivity and efficiency of courts to resolve cases.

“This is a program that is led by the Supreme Court. They will be promulgating rules on custodial hearings and requiring bail – so, that’s one way to decongest the jails,” Clavano said. PND