First Lady’s Bilibid visit brings hope, freedom to inmate through ‘Same Day Laya’ program

By PCO · Published Oct 21, 2026 12:00:00 AM

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos' visit to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City on Tuesday brought renewed hope and an unexpected chance at freedom for a person deprived of liberty (PDL) who was released that same day through the "Same Day Laya" program.

The PDL, identified as Jose, broke down in tears after learning he would finally regain his freedom after volunteer lawyers reviewed and processed his documents during the First Lady's visit.

In a touching moment, the First Lady personally handed Jose a white T-shirt to replace the blue shirt he had been wearing as a PDL, symbolizing his freedom and a new beginning.

Jose became emotional when he was embraced by the First Lady, who was also moved to tears.

Jose was among the beneficiaries of the First Lady's initiative, which provides livelihood opportunities, medical services, and paralegal assistance to PDLs, giving them hope for a better future.

Under the initiative, 43 PDLs were released on Tuesday, while documents of more than 1,000 others were being processed for possible release in the coming weeks, subject to legal requirements.

More than 200 volunteer lawyers and representatives from various organizations participated in the initiative, reviewing cases, providing legal assistance, and helping qualified PDLs secure their release.

In her message, the First Lady encouraged the PDLs to remain hopeful despite their circumstances, emphasizing that while they cannot change their past, they still have the opportunity to build a better future.

"Hindi po natin mababago ang kahapon, pero marami pa tayong maaaring gawin para sa bukas. Huwag po nating kalimutan, mahirap man ang daan, dapat sama-sama tayo. Sama-sama tayong babangon. Sama-sama tayong uusad," the First Lady said.

Source: PND