Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10592)
Republic Act No. 10592 aims to amend Articles 29, 94, 97, 98, and 99 of Act No. 3815, the Revised Penal Code, particularly provisions related to the deduction of preventive imprisonment, good conduct allowances, and time credits to better ensure the proper computation of penalties and treatment of prisoners.
The period of preventive imprisonment is credited fully towards the service of the sentence if the detention prisoner voluntarily agrees in writing, after being informed and assisted by counsel, to abide by the disciplinary rules imposed upon convicted prisoners. If the prisoner does not agree, they are credited four-fifths of the preventive imprisonment period.
Recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees, and persons charged with heinous crimes are excluded from this provision.
Credit for preventive imprisonment for reclusion perpetua shall be deducted from thirty (30) years.
The allowances for good conduct are as follows: 20 days/month for the first two years; 23 days/month for the third to fifth year; 25 days/month for the sixth to tenth year; 30 days/month for the eleventh year onwards; and an additional 15 days/month for study, teaching, or mentoring service rendered at any time.
The Director of the Bureau of Corrections, the Chief of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and/or the Warden of a provincial, district, municipal, or city jail grant the allowances for good conduct.
They are subject to one (1) year imprisonment, a fine of One hundred thousand pesos (₱100,000.00), and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
The remainder of the provisions not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting due to the separability clause.
They must promulgate the implementing rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from the approval of the Act.
A deduction of one-fifth of the period of his sentence is granted for surrendering within 48 hours after the calamity's proclamation; a deduction of two-fifths is granted if the prisoner chose to stay in the place of confinement despite the calamity.