Title
Sentence Reduction for Good Conduct Act
Law
Act No. 1533
Decision Date
Aug 30, 1906
Philippine Law, Act No. 1533 provides guidelines for reducing sentences for prisoners based on good conduct and labor, with a maximum deduction of fifteen days per month after ten years, but also allows for forfeiture of time gained for violating rules and discipline.

Law Summary

Monthly Sentence Deductions Based on Length of Service

  • For each full month without disciplinary violations and diligent work:
    • Initial period: 5 days deducted per month.
    • After 2 years served: 8 days deducted per month.
    • After 5 years served: 10 days deducted per month.
    • After 10 years served: 15 days deducted per month.

Penalties for Violations and Loss of Credits

  • Grave violations or persistent neglect of work cause forfeiture of the monthly time deduction.
  • Additional deductions from previously earned credits may be imposed depending on severity and frequency.
  • Mitigating circumstances may restore lost credits wholly or partially.

Consideration for Illness and Non-culpable Infirmity

  • Prisoners prevented from labor by sickness or infirmity not self-imposed are entitled to the same monthly reduction if conduct is good.

Restoration for Meritorious Conduct

  • Time lost due to infractions can be reinstated wholly or partially for especially meritorious conduct.

Application to Detention Prisoners

  • Detention prisoners who voluntarily agree in writing to labor may earn sentence credits applicable after conviction.

Retrospective Application

  • Prisoners serving sentences at the Act's effectivity are entitled to deductions retroactive to January 1, 1900.

Administrative Implementation

  • Wardens or officers-in-charge must maintain detailed records and enact necessary procedures under supervision of the Secretary of Public Instruction.

Expedited Legislative Process and Effectivity

  • Act passed with expedited procedure.
  • Effectivity is immediate upon enactment on August 30, 1906.

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