In the first week of May 2020, we launched the Community Bail Bond program. In partnership with the jail wardens and their officers, the Public Attorney's Office, Parole and Probation Office, and Non-Governmental Organizations, we identified low risk, first-time, non-violent and bailable Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) and Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) as potential participants for the program. We then bailed out these individuals, coordinated with their local courts, and developed an integrated supervision mechanism where we make sure that they attend court hearings, participate in community based rehabilitation programs, be employed, and they will not engage in new offenses. When possible, we also file for dismissal through demurrer to evidence, reduction of bail and other legal remedies.
We partnered with the El Proveedores Foundation for possible livelihood, educational and medical assistance. We raised bail money through our Bayanihan Crowdfunding program where friends and supporters who heeded our call shared their resources. We are also fortunate to have lawyers and law students who volunteered their services for free to our program. Finally, we have NGO partners in the jail and in the community who provided transformative services to the participants.
As of July 17, there are 51 individuals referred to our program, of whom, 32 had been interviewed. Of the 32 interviewed, 7 had been successfully bailed out, 8 had their cases dismissed, one had served sentence and one was successfully referred to probation. The rest are still in jail and we are hoping to have their bail granted or their cases dismissed. Of the 17 released, 16 had been fully reintegrated to their respective families and communities. We have referred seven of our released participants for livelihood program of the El Proveedores Foundation. Unfortunately, one is currently struggling with housing placement and with difficulty reconciling with family members. We are currently exerting all our efforts to support his reintegration.
Through our program, the government has now saved PhP 50, 260 as of July 17, 2020. This is computed by adding the amount budgeted per day (PhP 70 for food) times the number of days since release from jail for every individual released. These savings will increase as days go by and as long as their cases are not terminated. For those whose cases are dismissed, served early or were accepted through probation, we expect a saving of least 60 days of non-incarceration.
Additionally, on top of the food savings by the government, these individuals are now back to the community and actively engaged in their livelihood, thus contributing to the economy.
More importantly, we reduced jail crowding which is a very big problem afflicting our correctional facilities, especially in the time of the COVID19 pandemic.
Finally, we minimized their exposure to the criminogenic jail environment leading to better reentry to the society as responsible members.
But this is just the beginning. I envisioned that more PDLs and CICLs would be referred to our program soon. I envision that many people will be restored to their liberties and dignities. When we, as a community, show our compassion to the less fortunate members of our society, we offer them a hook that they can use for their transformation. In the long run, this will benefit all of us in terms of lower rates of recidivism and increase sense of public safety.
If you are willing to support us through Bayanihan Crowd Sourcing:
If you are a lawyer/law student/ paralegal volunteer and wish to help:
If your NGO is willing to partner with our program:
If you want hear more about the program, download and listen to this link:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/12btn7PSb-dBG___Mwl_d-un1Hlu3KH02t8yuOnk1cBg/edit?usp=sharing
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