FIFTEENTH'CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Article 97 of the Revised Penal Code, which provides for the allowance for good 
conduct, recognizes the ability of prisoners to reform while serving their sentences. This 
reduction of sentence is in consideration of the good conduct and diligence of a prisoner who 
does not violate the code of discipline or prison rules, and has shown fidelity to the tasks given to 
him while serving sentence. 
It is, however, unfortunate that under our present laws, prisoners are not entitled to good 
conduct allowance while their cases are on appeal. This Rule either discourages prisoners from 
complying with prison rules or withdraw their appeals to qualify for good conduct allowance. 
This bill seeks to remedy the situation by amending Article 97 of the Revised Penal Code 
and allows inmates, even with appealed cases, to qualify for good conduct allowances. 
The early passage of this legislative measure is earnestly requested. 
, 
This bill was originally filed by Sen. Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. during the Fourteenth 
Congress: 
1 


I 
2 
3 
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
AN ACT 
AMENDING ARTICLE 97 OF ACT NO 3815, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE REVISED PENAL CODE 
• 
< 
Be it enacted,by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled< 
4 
SECTION L Alticle 97 ofthe Revised Penal Code is hereby amended (0 read as follows: 
5 
Article 97 < Allowance for good conduct - The good conduct of any prisoner in 
6 
any penal institution shall entitle him to the following deductions from the period 
7 
of his sentence: 
8 
L During the first two years of his imprisonment, he shall be allowed a deduction 
9 
of five days for each month of good behavior; 
10 
2< During the third to the fifth year, inclusive, of his imprisonment, he shall be 
11 
allowed a deduction of eight days for each month of good behavior; 
12 
3. During the following years until the tenth year, inclusive, of his imprisomnent, 
13 
he shall be allowed a deduction often days for each month of good behavior; and 
14 
4. During the eleventh and successive years of his imprisonment, he shall be 
15 
allowed a dednction of fifteen days for each month of good behavioL AN 
16 
APPEAL 
BY 
THE 
ACCUSED 
SHALL 
NOT 
DEPRIVE 
HIM 
OF 
17 
ENTITLEMENT TO THE ABOVE ALLOWANCES FOR GOOD CONDUCT 
18 
SECTION 2< Implementing Rules and Regulations< The Department of Justice shall issue 
19 
the rules and regulations of this Act within thirty (30) days after its effectivity< 
1 
, <,' 


• 
1 
SECTION 3. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid or 
2 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
3 
valid and subsisting. 
4 
SECTION 4. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
5 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or is inconsistent 
6 
with the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
7 
SECTION 5. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
8 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
2