Diamond Hotel, Manila
December 6, 2023
As the country prepares for the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone the Philippines is a proud signatory of, the government has launched its inaugural National Decongestion Summit titled, ‘Decongest and Reintegrate: A Conference to Unlock Solutions to Jail and Prison Overcrowding,’ held at the Diamond Hotel Manila.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., conveyed the President’s message to the participants gathered for this two-day summit.
“This event is in line with our Administration’s priority to decongest our jails and prison facilities, and to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our justice system,” he said. He further stated that the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to expedite the processing of criminal cases and alleviate the chronic problem of jail congestion.
Conveying the directives of the Chief Executive, he urged the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) to streamline and digitize their frontline and back-end services. “By embracing technology and innovative practices, we can enhance our efficiency, reduce delays and ensure swift and fair legal proceedings,” he added.
He also encouraged the participants to actively share their insights, experiences and best practices, adding that addressing congestion problems and challenges in the penal system requires a whole-of-government approach, along with ensuring efficient, effective and compassionate administration of justice in the country.
“In our pursuit of a Bagong Pilipinas where communities and government institutions have respect for the law and human rights, it is vital that we work together to come up with measures to decongest our jails and improve the condition of persons deprived of liberty. Rest assured, this Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to support collaborative efforts between the Executive and the Judiciary,” he read.
“Through our collaborative efforts, we can ensure that justice is not delayed and denied, and that the rights and dignity of every individual are upheld and protected,” he concluded, echoing the President’s message.
Executive Secretary Bersamin, a former Chief Justice, was also praised for spearheading the Justice Zone, an initiative where local justice sector agencies such as the police, prosecutors, judges, public attorneys and managers of detention facilities work together to identify problems and develop common solutions.
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