Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 15) — The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) plan to launch a “pre-release program” to help persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) find jobs and housing upon release.
\”Hindi pa siya nare-release, kami na ang mag cocontact sa kumpanya kung pwede na mag-partner…Ngayon pa lang, magtatawag na tayo. I’m sure maraming programs ang LGUs [local government units] and maraming NGOs [non-government organizations] na tutulong so doon mag job-matching ka na,” Interior Secretary Abalos told reporters on Saturday.
[Translation: Even before they are released, we will contact companies about partnering…even now we will begin calling. I’m sure there are many LGUs that will help in job matching.]
As for housing, Abalos said the agencies are considering putting inmates in halfway or group homes.
\”Tapos saan ka titira? Baka pwede kayong tatlo, kayong dalawa magsama kayo ang hulog lang ₱30 kada-araw,\” he explained.
[Translation: Where will they live? Maybe we can put two or three together and they can spend around ₱30 a day.]
Abalos noted that the initiative – meant to combat jail congestion – was still in its planning stages with BJMP officials, but added that it would be launched within the year.
Out of 479 BJMP jails nationwide, 326 are congested. However, the bureau said the congestion rate this year is down to 358% from 387% in 2022.
Abalos also said 30% of inmates end up returning to jail after release, which is why proper support for PDLs are needed to prevent them from being repeat offenders.
“Isipin mo kung yung 30%, bawasan mo ng maski 20%, 10% nalang, na-decongest mo na, [Think about the 30%. If you deduct 20% you’ll be left with just 10%, achieving decongestion], there will be no need for a new jail,” he said.
