
BuCor conducts workshop on Good Conduct Time Allowance
THE Bureau of Corrections conducted on Friday a seminar workshop on Republic Act 10592 commonly referred to as the Good Conduct Time Allowance to prepare for the implementation of its revised implementing rules and regulations.
Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, who provided the welcome remarks during the seminar, stated that this reflects the unwavering commitment of the department under the leadership of Justice Secretary Crispin “Boying” Remulla to deliver compassionate and restorative justice for persons deprived of liberty.
“This is the moment when the DOJ, in close collaboration with the Bureau of Corrections, is not only refining laws but also bringing life into them. The revised GCTA IRR is a beacon of hope that offers a structured opportunity for the PDLs to reclaim their dignity, renew their purpose, and rebuild their lives,” Gutierrez said.
She added that the GCTA is far more than just a policy or a procedural framework. It is an opportunity for change, a chance for growth, and a chance for reintegration with the full recognition of the human dignity that should never be lost no matter past actions.
“You may have the power to change the time for someone who may have believed that their future was already written,” Gutierrez added.
Our work here contributes to a restorative justice that doesn’t just punish but also heals, with the understanding that we are building something bigger; we are helping create a society where justice is not simply enforced but also experienced—a society where every individual, no matter what their past, is given an opportunity to reclaim their future, she added.
For his part, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. urged the attendees to do what it takes to inform and help the PDLs regarding their GCTA.
Catapang emphasized the crucial importance of educating both staff and PDLs about the GCTA.
He urged attendees to actively participate in these seminars, recognizing that a deeper understanding of GCTA can significantly impact the lives of PDLs by equipping them with knowledge regarding their rights and entitlements under this allowance.
Catapang highlighted that sharing information and best practices could empower individuals within the correctional system, ultimately promoting better conduct and paving the way for successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Following a recent landmark Supreme Court (SC) ruling, all PDLs, regardless of their crimes, are entitled to avail of the benefits of the GCTA after conviction.