David Castuciano/Rappler
What message does this decision send? It tells the poor that pretrial liberty is negotiable for the powerful but elusive for the powerless.
I have always supported pretrial release and supervised release programs for individuals accused of crimes until they are convicted and found guilty. I have consistently argued that prolonged pretrial detention, especially when caused by the glacial pace of our criminal courts, is both unconstitutional and immoral.
It punishes people before guilt has been established, fuels jail overcrowding, weakens families, and ultimately increases recidivism and long-term threats to public safety. That is why I have repeatedly advocated for the release of indigent detainees who have languished behind bars for years simply because they cannot afford bail.
My advocacy has never been about opening jail doors indiscriminately. It has always been about rationalizing justice through evidence, fairness, and public safety. Justice must never depend upon wealth, influence, or political connections. It must depend upon facts, risk, and the rule of law.
