The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic had turned the situation from bad to worse. The urgency of these reforms escalated early on during President Duterte’s so-called war on drugs. As of 30 September 2021, the total arrests had surpassed 300,000 people. While many of them were allowed to plea bargain and released from rehabilitation to their families, those that remain put tremendous pressure to the detention facilities and institutions that manage them. On the other hand, Senator De Lima called a stop to the extrajudicial killings. She simultaneously called for the observance of the rule of law and holistic treatment of the problem as both a public health and a criminal justice issue. Thus, she calls for reforms in law dealing with drug trafficking as well as improvement in penal system in order to accommodate those that may be found accountable. Attorney Katherine C. further reiterated that among the top priorities of Senator De Lima as a lawmaker was to initiate a comprehensive prison reform and the establishment of regional penitentiary, which is intended to both ease the burden of existing penitentiary, as well as to make it easier for prisoners and their families to meet and to reconnect, realising that maintaining strong bonds with their loved ones and the community outside of prison are critical to inmates’ rehabilitation. Unfortunately, Senator De Lima was ousted from her Chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights in 2016 before she could realise these initiatives. Her legislative measures she has since then remained pending. IV. Person Deprived of Liberty Attorney Katherine C. elaborated that ironically, it was one of her major accomplishments in the area of prison reform that Senator De Lima would later be used to put her behind bars. She was unjustly detained since 24 February 2017. Through her experience, she understands the frustration and desperation of persons deprived of liberty. Moderator: Commissioner Karen Lucia S.Gomez-Dumpit This session aims at getting feedback and views from parliamentarians about the reform of prison. The call to involve MPs in the reform of prison is appreciated. Of course, the setting up of Royal Commissions are indeed something that is welcomed as it demonstrates multi-disciplines expertise in the inquisitions. Strong foundations must be based on data and fact findings. This is something that is very much needed by stakeholders in the prison reform agenda. Resource of data comes from NHRIs as we have the mandate to monitor detention places and using human rights approach in. 6.4 Q & A SESSION I. Claire Maize, UK. There is great interest about the need of better use of probation back in the UK. For example, prosecutors and police should identify cases as early as possible and ensure that only the right people end up in the court. 64