UNIVERSITY OF CEBU Graduate School Cebu City Assignment Legal effects of Pardon and other Executive Clemency Commutation of Sentence
Summary of the topic The presentation on Modern Penology brings to the fore the transition from strictly punitive methods towards more rehabilitative and community-based penal systems. It discusses how the current penology focuses on offender reform, reintegration, and restorative justice, with adequate measures for safeguarding public safety. Featured are the emergence of community corrections like parole, pardon, probation, community service, and restorative justice programs, which seek to decongest prison cells, save government expenses, and give offenders a chance to reform themselves in society. The document also touches on the legal bases that exist in the Philippines, such as P.D. 968 (Probation Law of 1976) and R.A. 10707, and the respective functions of agencies such as Parole and Probation Administration, Board of Pardons and Parole, BJMP, and LGUs. Although problems like risks of non-conformity, scarce resources, and being viewed as lenient do lie, the general assessment emphasizes that contemporary penology envisions a kinder, cheaper, and more community-responsible penal system through the balance between rehabilitation and public safety. 2
Reaction/Comments The presentation gives a solid perspective of how contemporary penology is reinventing corrections, and I believe its focus on reintegration and rehabilitation is highly pertinent and timely in the Philippines. What I like most about it is that it displays the balance between ensuring public security and extending offenders the opportunity to reform instead of merely punishing them. It also points out the practical advantages, such as minimizing prison overcrowding and public expense, making the system more viable. But I believe the success of these programs ultimately hinges on steady community involvement, solid government backing, and close monitoring to avoid abuse or lack of compliance. All in all, the report reminds us that justice is not only punitive but also redemptive. 3
Evaluation The presentation on contemporary penology can be assessed as a thorough and pertinent discussion that accurately reflects the move towards more rehabilitative and restorative corrections from punitive ones. It highlights the significance of community corrections as an answer to prison congestion, its impact in lessening government expenditures, and reintegration of offenders. One of its best aspects is how it relates the Philippine legal system, like P.D. 968 and R.A. 10707, with the actual functions of agencies such as the PPA, BPP, BJMP, and LGUs, proving the interconnectedness of law, policy, and practice. The discussion also highlights the beneficial effects of contemporary penology, such as in the aspects of rehabilitation, responsibility, and public safety. A main limitation, however, is in the problems identified—e.g., threats to compliance, resource constraints, and public perception that the programs are soft on crime—standing in the way of their success if not mitigated. Overall, the presentation adequately proves that contemporary penology is a humane and progressive method of correction, but one whose success would rely on robust institutional backing, community participation, and ongoing monitoring. 4
Conclusion In conclusion, the presentation on contemporary penology highlights the revolutionary change in corrections from the punitive model towards a model that prioritizes rehabilitation, reintegration, and restorative justice. It demonstrates that community-based corrections—through probation, parole, community service, and other initiatives—provide workable and compassionate alternatives to prison by alleviating prison overcrowding, saving government expenses, and giving offenders a chance for personal change. Though issues of resource constraints, gaps in monitoring, and public distrust persist, the overall contribution of contemporary penology emphasizes a balanced movement in protecting public safety while achieving true rehabilitation. It is indeed the notion that enduring justice is not merely brought about by punishment but also by establishing windows of opportunity to reform and reintegrate into society. 5
Recommendation I recommend strengthening contemporary penology in the Philippines through enhancing community-based correctional programs through increased funding, training, and inter-agency coordination. Government agencies, the PPA, BPP, and BJMP need to allocate more resources and manpower to enable effective supervision and rehabilitation of offenders. Local government units and community organizations need to be more actively involved in providing livelihood counseling and reintegration. Public education campaigns must be undertaken to counteract the myths that these programs are "soft on crime" and instead emphasize their success in eliminating recidivism and prison overcrowding. Lastly, ongoing monitoring, analysis, and policy revision to maximize accountability, mitigate compliance risks, and ensure that contemporary penology achieves its mission of balancing rehabilitation with public safety. 6
References Gonzales, V. G. (2018). Philippine correctional system and community-based corrections . Rex Bookstore. Reyes, R. S. (2020). Corrections and penology: Philippine setting . Central Book Supply. Presidential Decree No. 968. (1976). Probation Law of 1976 . Retrieved from https://lawphil.net Republic Act No. 10707. (2015). An Act Amending P.D. 968, the Probation Law of 1976 . Retrieved from https://lawphil.net Canda, R., & Castillo, M. (2021). The effectiveness of community-based rehabilitation programs for drug offenders in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 4 (2), 55–72. 7