1.

INTRODUCTION

The prison was never meant to be unlawful- some empire of the damned. Certainly, it is a

punishment, but it also provides the space for restoration. Offenders are not refusing, and prison

is the recognition that it never behooves us to dispose of offenders as we would harmful animals

or rubbish. “Correctional facility” is the term often used and unless we have decided to engage

ourselves in intolerable hypocrisy, then our prisons, administered by the Bureau of Corrections,

should do exactly that- correct, not destroy, not waste. The aim of our correctional facility is

never to keep inmates in for as long as possible but to restore them as repentant, productive,

helpful members of society and fulfilled human persons.

The Good Conduct time Allowance (GCTA) Law is not the first enactment of its kind. Many

judges have struggled on the test of applying the Indeterminate Sentence Law. It is a piece of

legislation that qualifies the application of penalties prescribed in the Revised Penal Code,

Demanding the obligation of an “indeterminate Sentence” so that the possibility of an earlier

release is offered to the inmate who conducts himself properly and shows himself capable of a

restored place in society. Then there was the administrative order of the Supreme Court that

detainees who had been kept in detention for a period equaling that of sentences they could

receive if found guilty (or even longer) should be released (Aquino,2019)

Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) is a sentence reduction provision afforded prisoners

who show good behavior. It has been in existence since 1906.act 1533 provided for the

“diminution of sentences imposed upon prisoners” in consideration of good conduct and

“encourage the convict to reform” and “induce habits of industry and conduct” in the person

beyond one’s sentence, and “aid to discipline” various jails and penitentiaries.

According to the Bureau of Corrections’ manual, an inmate can be eligible for Good conduct

time allowance if the inmate display “good behavior” (the conspicuous and satisfactory behavior

of a detention or convicted prisoner consisting of active involvement in rehabilitation programs,

productive contribution in ratified work activities or achievement of exemplary deeds together

with faithful compliance to all prison/ jail rules and regulations)and have no record of breach of

discipline or violation of prison rules and regulations.

According to Polinsky, rewarding prisoners for good behavior by the time off or parole is

beneficial to the state because prisoners behave better and the length of time they serve in prison

declines, both of which lower prison costs. The cost of taking care of an average prisoner is 62

(USD) a day and the cost of controlling badly behaved prisoners is more than twice the cost of

controlling well-behaved ones. Besides, addressing the problem of overcrowding of jail facilities,

his analysis shows that there is an overall benefit to society from rewarding prisoners for good

behavior.

The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of GCTA to persons deprived of

liberty and what factors affect their behavior while under the GCTA program. The researcher

also would like to know the programs offered in the GCTA program which attracts them.

Moreover, this research further what to know the requirements needed in applying for it and

what are the challenges and adversities they face while under the program. Another purpose of

this study is to discover how the GCTA program changes their behavior and perspective in life.
By conducting this study, the researcher would know how effective and helpful the GCTA

program for persons deprived of liberty in acquiring freedom as well as rehabilitating them for

preparation in entering back to the community.

2.Materials and Methods

Research Design.

This research utilized the qualitative approach that focuses on how people interact and

construct their experiences and their worlds, and the meaning that attributes to their experiences,

(Merriam,2009,p.50)

Setting/sampling and population.

The participants in this study are those PDL’s (persons deprived of liberty) who are

currently accumulating GCTA in Benguet provincial jail. The researchers will find a seven to ten

(7-10) participants who are willing to participate since they will give important and valuable

information in the study, according to Creswell (2009) Small participants’ research (also known

as small n research) is the expected norm in qualitative research. Such small studies enable the

researcher to gain a deeper understanding of participants' experience and develop a thick, rich

description of that experience. The researchers will be using purposive sampling; Patton (1990)

argues that in purposeful sampling it is important to select “information-rich cases for study in

depth. In a personal interview, it will be conducted and recorded in a place where the participants

feel comfortable and feel secure. This should create an atmosphere that allows them to

participate freely.
Data Gathering Procedure.

The researchers will be doing open-ended, semi-structured interviews .as a primary

source researcher will be using interview questionnaires as a gathering tool. Potter (1996) argues

that interviews are valuable tools for collecting data in qualitative research as it allows the

researcher to interact with the participants during the interview process. There will be no

interview questions that will be harming and that will make the interviewee uncomfortable and

unwilling to participate. All interviews will be phone-recorded. The researchers will be

interviewing the PDL’s on October 09, 2019 who are currently accumulating GCTA in Benguet

Provincial Jail

Data Gathering Tools.

The researchers will be utilizing an interview guide that was written in English and is

translated if necessary. The researcher will be using a phone recorder while taking down notes to

make sure there will be no errors.

The participants will not be restricted as to the manner of answering the question. The

researchers will be using formulated questions on the interview guide to obtain information. It

was noted that respect for the privacy of the participants must be observed.

Further, the interview will be conducted in their own choice where they feel comfortable.

The researchers assured that all answers or opinions shared by the participants shall remain

confidential. No costs were incurred by the individual participants. With the consent of the
participants, the researchers were able to obtain audio recording for documentation and proof to

be used for future references

Treatment of the data.

The data obtained from the interview were organized and divided into sections. Through

a joint and thorough analysis of the researchers, the researcher could reflect on what the

participants want to express during the interview without bias. The researchers will be using

pseudonyms initials to ensure confidentiality on the part of participants. The researchers

interpreted right away the data collected and made sure that there wasn’t any bias and empathy

with the participants' life events.

3. Result and Discussion

What are the perceived concepts on the GCTA by the participants?

Reduction of penalty

All of the participants stated that GCTA is a program that reduces their sentence if they

display good behavior and execute good conduct. One of the bases of GCTA in giving merits to

the PDL is by joining those rehabilitation programs and recreational activities. That’s why those

PDL who are ferocious tend to follow rules and regulations and behave because of the benefits

they can gain from GCTA.

good behavior dito sa bilanguhan,mababwasan ang iyong pagiistay dito so ganon yun ang

pagkakaalam ko at the same time nagaaral ka so yun nakakatulong siya na mabawasan yung

pagiistay mo dito.” (Yes, what I know about GCTA is that it lessen your stay in jail if you show

good behavior).In support of thisPolinsky stated that rewarding prisoners for good behavior by

the time off or parole is beneficial to the state because prisoners behave better and the length of

time they serve in prison declines. Citing a 1908 decision, the Supreme Court said the law served

a double purpose: to “encourage the convict to reform” and “induce habits of industry and

conduct” in the person beyond one’s sentence, and “aid to discipline” various jails and

penitentiaries.

In the same interview with participant F, he stated that “kung hindi ako nagkakamali

kapag nakapagipon ka ng maramingpuntos ay malaking oras din ang maibabawas sa sintensya”

(If I’m not mistaken if you accumulated several points, it will be deducted in your sentence).In

support to this according to Jacobs (1982); an underlying assumption of sentencing credit laws is

that they function as incentives for inmates to comply with prison rules and regulations; that is,

they deter institutional misbehavior. According to incentive theory, as stated by Hockenbury et

al. (2003)” behavior is motivated by the “pull” of external goals, such as rewards, money, or

recognition. It’s easy to think of many situations in which a particular goal, such as benefits from

following rules and regulations can serve as an external incentive that helps activate particular

behaviors.”According to Smith D. (2014), the possibility for prisoners to earn good time while

serving their sentence is proven to improve the climate within institutions by giving prisoners an

insensitive for good behavior. This reduces the number of violent incidents that occur within
institutions and improves inmate-staff relations. Prisons become safer places for inmates and

staff as a result of a good time taking effect.

According to the Jail Warden of Benguet provincial Jail Peter p. Tip-

ac”Adu,adatipinarwarkoditoynga classified as a national prisoner because of GCTA, we released

them through a recommendation to the court”(I have released many PDL’s classified as national

penitentiary because of GCTA, we release them through a recommendation to the court)

Therefore, PDL’s are being encouraged by this Good conduct time allowance to be a

better person as they could. They behave well and change their bad habits, behaviors, and

attitudes for them to gain points in GCTA. Instead of locking their selves inside the cells, they

prefer to obey the rules and regulations as well as to participate and join the programs and

activities being conducted inside the jail.

SELF-CONTROL

Participant A and E said that GCTA is important because it inspires them and this

motivates them to change their behavior and control themselves to commit a violation. They also

mention that from the time GCTA was introduced to them, they were able to control their temper

which reduced the violence and violations committed inside the jail.

As stated by participant A “maipakita jay balod nga ada pagbabaliwanda,panag attend ti

bible study,panagsurot ti rules ti selda, ibasar da ijay records yo isu ti pag itedan da ti GCTA

gapo ditoy mabaliwan iti behavior ti inmates kasla kuma nga no siyak dati ak nga

aglangulangung ngem gapo iti GCTA mabalbaliwak toy bagik” (they will base the GCTA in

your records which can change the behavior of inmates, like me before I am incorrigible but I’ve

changed because of it.)

dakkel di naitulong di CGTA sina. Manipud sin nan GCTA ingay nawada magay maniibaw sina,

amin et di layden da yan mansisingpet tay idiidi ay magay GCTA talaga pay adi ay bad record

di balud sina,tan di pagarop da et gandat ay balod da et ay enggay maid namnamman da ngem

idi naipatungpal iman GCTA Kaman siyay esa ay inspirasyon isunga oray pumudpudot di toktok

mos na ngem wada latta anus tay once nan violate kas na mabawasan din GCTA.”(GCTA is like

a favor given to us and it help us because in the past inmates here are violent but by the time

GCTA was introduced to us, we started to behave which inspire us to maintain a good record

that’s why we can control our anger). In support of this according to (Vohs&Baumeister, 2004)

Self-control is generally defined as the ability to regulate one’s behavior to pursue long-term

goals that exercising self-control causes an increase in approach motivation. Behavioral theories

seeking to explain deviant, unhealthy, and risky behaviors often address the role of self-control.

For example, Gottfredson and Hirschi’s (1990) self-control theory posits that inclinations toward

criminal actions occur as a function of an individual’s ability to control his/her tendency to

engage in such behaviors.

Those people who are higher in self-control are predicted to be better able to postpone immediate

gratification in favor of long-term rewards. More specifically, “long-term consequences

influence the actions of a person with ample self-control, whereas the elements of criminal

behavior reflect easy and immediate gratification of universal, fundamental, human desires.

More specifically, those with higher self-control also were able to act in a way that reduced

conflict and distress.

and thereby avoid ‘vice-virtue’ temptations (Hofmann et al., 2014)

According to the Jail Warden of Benguet provincial Jail Peter p. Tip-ac” At least I can see that

they were able to control themselves, even they were convicted of heinous crimes because before

GCTA is very lenient but because of this new IRR for the GCTA issued by the secretary of

DILG, most of the discussion here was the disqualification of those who are recidivist, escapee,

etc. This is very dangerous, for me it is discriminatory on the part of the prisoners because they

should be given the chance to be reformed.”

Therefore, the Introduction of GCTA to the PDL’s enlightens and aspired each of them to

be a good inmate. They need effective guidance to immensely touching every PDL’s life to

continue their greatest aim in life, which is to lessen the length of their sentence through self-

control, patience and being good.

What are the impacts of GCTA to the personal lives of the PDL’s?

God’s word: a way out

Most of the participants claim that GCTA changed their perspective in life aside from the

fact that most of them attend to programs because of the merits but they also change because

they joined the institutional programs wherein they learn lessons and change their insights.

In the interview with participant B,he said”wada gamin din kananda en religious ay

umalalisina ay manpampamisan dakami ,wada kami met ay makiattendar,wadaka mi abe ay

sana di kamayatanna din nok-a, isa pay wada din eskwela tan at least ay nu nalpasyus two

months nu waday diploma ibawas da sin GCTA’maydoy“(there is religious group who are

coming and preaches the words of God that we are attending to, we are also studying which if we

can finish within 2 months will be given diploma and can be their basis for merits in GCTA).

In the same interview with participant C,and D.Participant C said that “actually,sa akin

yung pagstay ko dito, yung GCTA ang nakapagbago ng aking pananaw, kasi nung nasa labas

ako medyo magulo ang buhay ko, ang nakapagpabago sa akin dito ay yung pagaaral ng mga

salita ng Diyos pero kasama na yung GCTA”. (Actually, programs under GCTA change my

perspective in life when I was not in the jail my life is a mess but learning the words of God

changes me). Participant D also stated that “Idi ada ak paylng jay ruwar syempre natangsit

paylang ngay inggana nabaludak ketsak nag-anus gapo iti GCTA,mapan makimisa kasjay ken

adda ngay ti panagpakumbaba iti kapwa.” (When I was not yet in prison I am ferocious but

when I’m imprisoned here I have changed because of GCTA by attending bible study that taught

me to be humble enough). In support of this according to Dammer (2002)In many cases, prison

inmates gain direction and meaning for life from participating in religious education. They feel

that God will provide a direction to go in life, one that is better than their present psychological

or physical condition. Religion and religious education provide hope for the inmates—hope to

reform from a life of crime and a life of imprisonment. From the teaching of religious education,

some prison inmates even feel that being incarcerated is the “will of God” and that full

acceptance of this “will” is essential to being faithful in one’s religious belief.

According to (Biblical Staff, 2016) those who have never been incarcerated cannot fully

grasp the depth of despair that engulfs men and women when they lose their freedom. For prison
inmates, discovering God’s Word can provide the hope they need to survive and overcome. “The

Bible gives me faith, hope, and lets me know I’m here for a reason,” writes a man imprisoned in

Missouri. “God’s Word makes me feel blessed and it makes me never give up.”I read God’s

word to get closer to God,” writes another inmate. “When I read [the Bible] I have more peace in

my heart and I don’t worry, I know God has control.”

According to the jail guard “Yes, there is big impact and difference, idi gamin way back

1996 idi barbaroak ditoy,awan unay umumay nga religious groups nga agkaskasaba ditoy,ket

naguuyung ti balod, napadasak ti mabato ti lata ti sardinas ngem idi mettenen maininot, in

schedule da ti religious worship every month enggana naging weekly nga different religions

isunga dyay needs da,inotinot met nganagbalbaliw ken nadevelop jay respeto da because of

words of GOD ken masapul metlang nga maisardeng ti arak, sigarilyo, momma isunga na rehab

da at the same time nagconconcentratean daket agbasbasa ti bible,as part of the program of

benguet provincial jail ada ti bible study da per cell isunga agshasharingda, isunga dakel

nagbalbaliwanda, according ti experience dagita ta nakitak. “(Wayback 1996 the PDL’s are

violent and only a few religious groups are coming here, I have experienced a can of sardines

thrown at me. When different religious groups started to come here every month until it becomes

every week to preach the word of God slowly changes and develop their respect. The alcohol,

cigarrete andbeatle nuts were also prohibited as a part of their rehabilitation and one of the the

program of Benguet provincial jail is bible study in every cell wherein they can share and this

changes them.)

COPING EMOTIONAL STRESS

naakoditongwalangdalaw,isangproblema is yung emotional stress pero napaglalabanan dahil

sapag-aaral.” (In 4 years no one visits me here and this gives me emotional stress but I am

overcoming it by studying). A recent review of research suggested that participating in

educational activities reduces recidivism and increases the likelihood of finding work. Beyond

these severe measures, education can act as a refuge with the education department representing

a different ‘emotional climate’ to that which prevails in the wider prison community (Reuss,

1997) Furthermore, research indicates educational activities relieve the boredom of prison

(Hughes, 2009), helping prisoners cope with the pains and deprivations of prison life (Maruna,

2010) and providing a space for pro-social modeling, mutual support (Casey et al., 2013) and

positive socialization (Waller, 2000).

According to the Jail Warden of Benguet provincial Jail Peter p. Tip-ac ,”Nakatulongiti

GCTA iti panakaliwliwa because they improve their day to day activities and they are given

second chance to be reformed because of GCTA” (GCTA help in relieving boredom because

they improve their day to day activities and they are given second chance to be reformed)

Therefore, one of the common problems of the PDL’s is this emotional stress which could cause

them such bad moods that possibly affect their way of socializing to their fellow inmates yet due

to this institutional programs of the jails emotional stress are blown away with the help of those

reformation and livelihood activities.

SECOND CHANCE
 Participant F said that “sa pagsunod ng patakaran, regulation sa institution at para

mapabuti ang takbo ng buhay namin dito sa loob at noong dumating ako dito ay napakahahirap

kasi napakagulo ng tao dito at ito ay nabago kami na may pag-asa at nabigyan ng second

chance. (The PDL follow the rules and regulation of this institution to fix our life here, just like

before when I enter here it is very hard and the people here are violent but this changed us

because it gives us hope and second chance). To support this Judge Power-Forde of the Republic

of Ireland stated that "Hope is an important and constitutive aspect of the human person. Those

who commit the most abhorrent and egregious of acts and who inflict untold suffering upon

others nevertheless retain their fundamental humanity and carry within themselves the capacity

to change. Long and deserved though their prison sentences may be, they retain the right to hope

that, someday, they may have atoned for the wrongs which they have committed … To deny them

the experience of hope would be to deny a fundamental aspect of their humanity and, to do that,

would be degrading."

(Sawari A., 2018).Hannah Nario-Lopez, associate professor at the University of the

Philippines' Department of Sociology also stated that Prisoners say they are very hopeful of the

GCTA. There's suddenly hope for our PDLs. When they become aware there's GCTA, they are

encouraged to be better persons. While they earn their GCTA, they also earn practical skills so

they can have a livelihood after they're released from prison. Another good way to earn GCTA is

to help in prison management which we need because our jails are undermanned and severely

overcrowded.

According to the Jail Warden of Benguet provincial Jail Peter p. Tip-ac” Di ba even Jesus

Christ ket intedan da tau ti second chance.sunga when they committed the crime because of

emotions, because of instances like under influence of drugs or alcohol, so when they are
incarcerated in this jail syempre awan dagijay alcohol,drugs isunga marealize da ti kamali ket

agbalbaliw da.”(even Jesus Christ has given us second chance when we committed sins, they

commit crimes because of uncontrollable emotions and instances like under influence of drugs or

alcohol but when they are incarcerated in this jail they don’t use alcohol and drugs which makes

them realize their mistakes and this help change themselves.)

Therefore, all humans of any worst attitude and behaviors even the unshakable criminals

deserve a second chance because everyone makes mistakes in life, but it doesn’t mean they have

to pay for them for the rest of their life. Chances are there not just to correct the mistakes of the

PDL’s rather determine their worth as human beings and to prove that they could be better even

after they fall.

4. Conclusion soon

5.reccomendation soon
 To support Walter Reckless(1960) generalized his finding into a containment

theory, which argued that there are inner and outer forces of containment that restrain a

person from committing a crime: the inner forces stem from moral and religious beliefs as

well as from a personal sense of right and wrong; the outer forces come from family
members, teachers, or others who influence the individual to some degree. The

effectiveness of containment forces can be influenced by external factors such as effective

supervision and internal factors such as a good self-concept.