In a country where freedom is often purchased, the harshest sentence imposed upon the poor is not always conviction. More often, the harshest sentence is poverty itself.

We need bail reform. Not cosmetic reform. Real reform. Congress must abandon the archaic financial bail system and move toward evidence-based risk assessment models grounded in public safety, dangerousness, and likelihood of court appearance. The question should no longer be, “Can the accused pay?” The question should be, “Should the accused be detained?”

The 1st National Conference of Persons Restored of Liberty is more than a gathering—it is a movement. It transforms individual stories into collective insight, and collective insight into actionable reform. By listening to those who have lived through the system, we take a critical step toward building a justice system that is not only effective, but truly humane.

Ultimately, the goal of studying and reforming the criminal justice system is not only to understand it but to improve it. This objective cannot be achieved if it is grounded solely in partial truths derived from data and theory. A comprehensive understanding requires the integration of lived experience as a central component of analysis.

For many persons restored of liberty (PRLs), freedom marks not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a difficult path toward rebuilding life, restoring relationships, and reclaiming dignity. Through its Better Versions Initiative, the Prisoners Enhancement and Support Organization, Inc. (PRESO, Inc.) continues to walk alongside these individuals through Bukas Loob Tungo sa Bagong Pag-Asa: a reintegration program rooted in compassion, empowerment, and second chances. Last

March was a hectic month with our organization starting new initiatives with partner groups aimed at helping released Persons Deprived of Liberty in their path towards reintegration. Our Community Bail Bond Program continued to reach more PDL who deserve to be released from detention. Our Better Versions initiatives likewise continues developing avenues towards re-socialization and reintegration of released PDL. COMMUNITY BAIL BOND PROGRAM What has been done: Our Program Fiel