MANILA, Philippines — Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan has called for comprehensive justice reforms, including legislation to compensate persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who are eventually acquitted. Speaking at a Mass held for PDLs at the Metro Manila District Jail in Taguig City, Cardinal David emphasized the need for systemic changes to address overcrowding, slow judicial processes, and inhumane conditions in detention facilities across the country.

The Mass coincided with Pope Francis’ visit to Rebibbia Prison in Rome as part of the Catholic Church’s observance of the Jubilee Year 2025, a special year of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Compensation for the Wrongfully Detained

During the service, organized by the political detainee support group Kapatid, Cardinal David urged lawmakers to enact a law granting minimum-wage compensation to acquitted PDLs for every month spent in detention.

“I hope a law can be enacted where all PDLs who are not yet convicted and are eventually acquitted will be compensated by the government, even at minimum wage (around P20,000 per month they were imprisoned), so that when they start their life over, they will have capital,” the Cardinal said.

Under the current Republic Act No. 7309, victims of unjust detention are entitled to compensation capped at P1,000 per month—an amount criticized as insufficient.

“Their plight is being ignored”

Cardinal David also expressed his dismay at the plight of political detainees, calling their continued incarceration a blight on democracy.

“I hope they regain their freedom soon. Their plight is being ignored,” he said after the Mass.

In his homily, Cardinal David reflected on themes of hospitality, hope, and redemption, drawing parallels to Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables and recounting cultural nuances in Filipino languages that emphasize welcoming others with open arms.

Overcrowded and Inhumane Conditions

Cardinal David also highlighted the dire state of Philippine jails, which rank among the most overcrowded in the world. He revealed that in Caloocan, the city jail, designed to hold 200 inmates, now houses over 2,000—a staggering 1,000% overcapacity. Nationwide, detention facilities are reported to be 322% overcrowded.

Political detainees at the Taguig jail shared similar concerns, citing inadequate food, limited medical services, and the psychological toll of prolonged unjust imprisonment.

Adelberto Silva, a political prisoner and peace consultant for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), called for reforms to address these systemic issues. “We hope, Cardinal David, that with your help, awareness can be raised about the grave issues Filipino prisoners face, so we may push for reforms in the prison and justice systems, as well as pursue just peace in our country,” Silva said.

Political Prisoners in Focus

Peasant rights group Tanggol Magsasaka called for the immediate release of 757 political prisoners nationwide, many of whom are detained on what the group claims are fabricated charges. Among them are activists, journalists, and peace workers such as Amanda Echanis and Frenchie Mae Cumpio.

The group noted that 156 women and 103 elderly individuals are among the detainees, enduring worsening conditions that violate their human rights.

“These individuals are incarcerated on fabricated charges designed to stifle dissent and intimidate activists and government critics,” Tanggol Magsasaka said in a statement, adding that the existence of political prisoners contravenes the Philippines’ commitments under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

A Call for a Just Peace

As the Jubilee Year approaches, Cardinal David reiterated his call for the release of political prisoners as a meaningful step toward justice and reconciliation. He also urged the resumption of peace talks to address the world’s longest-running insurgency.

“We dream of a world where there is no need for PDLs, where freedom and justice prevail,” the Cardinal said in closing.

📷 Kapatid – Families and Friends of Political Prisoners