JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday said safeguards would be implemented to prevent unqualified individuals from being released on reduced bail.

“This is not an abrupt decision. We are carefully discussing this because we need to be cautious so that those who should not be released will not be able to do so. We need to pay attention to every detail to avoid any negative consequences,” Remulla said when asked if repeat offenders would be released and then commit crimes again.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued new guidelines on reduced bail amounts for indigent individuals undergoing inquest or preliminary investigation for non-capital offenses. According to Remulla, the purpose of these guidelines is to ease prison congestion.

Department Circular No. 11 states that if the prosecutor is reasonably certain of conviction, only 50% of the recommended bail as stated in the 2018 Bail Bond Guide, or a maximum of P10,000, whichever is lower, will be recommended.

Remulla expressed hope that the new guidelines would result in the release of a significant number of indigent individuals from jail.

“If the offense is bailable, we can reach a point where people who are struggling in life can be given an opportunity to post bail, as long as they will not escape and can afford to pay,” Remulla said.

“There are crimes that are bailable, and there are non-bailable crimes. Once the crime is non-bailable, that’s it, there’s nothing to discuss, but if it’s bailable, why not give those who are struggling in life a chance?” he added.

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Hector Lawas