Guide to Early Release of Prisoners

Vocabulary flashcards for key terms and concepts related to the early release of prisoners.

Release on Recognizance

The release of an offender under custody to a responsible person in the community as provided under Republic Act No. 6036.

Bail

The security given for the release of a person in custody of the law, furnished by him or a bondsman, conditioned upon his appearance before any court as required by law.

Preventive Imprisonment

The release of a detained offender authorized by Batas Pambansa Bilang 85, if they have undergone preventive imprisonment equivalent to the maximum imposable penalty.

Probation

The release of a convicted offender after conviction and sentence, subject to conditions imposed by the court and supervision of a Probation Officer.

Parole

Authorizes conditional release to a prisoner who has served the minimum period of his sentence granted by the Board of Pardons and Parole.

Executive Clemency

Refers to Commutation of Sentence, Pardon, Reprieve and Amnesty, with or without conditions imposed, as may be granted by the President of the Philippines.

Recidivist

A detention prisoner who was previously convicted twice or more times of any crime.

Release on Recognizance: Who may apply?

Person charged with the violation of a municipal ordinance, person charged with a light felony, or person charged with a criminal offense with a prescribed penalty not higher than 6 months or a fine of Php 2,000.00 or both.

Parole: Who may apply?

A convicted offender not punished with Death, Reclusion Perpetua and Life Imprisonment; With no Pending Case; Not a Habitual Delinquent, Recidivist; Not convicted of Crimes Against National Security; Not having escaped from confinement or evaded service of sentence

Executive Clemency : When to apply?

Commutation of Sentence- once the prisoner has served at least ⅓ of the minimum of his determinate sentence. Conditional Pardon- once the prisoner has served ½ of the minimum of his indeterminate sentence Absolute Pardon- 10 yrs must have elapsed from the date of petitioner’s release from confinement or 5 yrs from the expiration of his maximum sentence, whenever is more beneficial to him.