Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 23) — The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on third and final reading a measure aimed at preventing the smuggling and proliferation of contrabands inside prison facilities.
House Bill 9153, or the Contraband Detection and Control System Act, seeks 40 years imprisonment and ₱10 million in fines for inmates found in possession of illegal substances, merchandise, and other contrabands.
The contraband detection and control system will be created by government agencies and local government units. It will include handheld and walk-through metal detectors, X-ray scanners, and K9 units.
Items considered as contraband are illegal drugs, firearms, explosives, alcohol or intoxicating beverages, cigarettes, tobacco products, vapes, currency and monetary instruments, electronic communication devices, and luxury items.
Also tagged as contraband are items that can threaten the safety, security, or health of persons in the correctional institution, and any item that can be used for planning, aiding, or executing the escape of inmates.
The bill also penalizes any person who shall introduce, convey or attempt to introduce dangerous drugs, firearms and explosives.
They will face imprisonment ranging from 20 years and one day to 40 years, and a fine of not less than ₱5 million but not more than ₱10 million.
Any public official, jail authority, or employee found in violation will also be given the additional penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of all retirement benefits and accrued leave credits.
In a statement, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said the bill will have a “chilling effect” on persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers – the principal author of the bill – also said it will hinder inmates involved with drugs inside and outside prison.
“[It] will put a stop to their nefarious activities, where they are transacting drug deals even inside prison,” he added.
