Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 1) — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is confident that the “humanitarian problem” of prison overcrowding will be addressed before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ends his term in 2028.
DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said this will be possible with the Bureau of Corrections’ (BuCor) plan to establish at least 16 regional jails across the country.He said the BuCor has already asked for an additional budget as one facility may need funding of roughly ₱2 billion.With more regional jails available, the BuCor can vacate the New Bilibid Prison and convert it into a national government center or another government facility.By the time, we hope to have as many regional jails to be able to fit all PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) who are now jailed in Bilibid Prison,” he said during a Palace briefing on Friday.So we’re hoping to spread out the PDLs to different facilities, considering also kung saan sila nanggaling (where they came from),” Clavano said.The official also said the requirement is 4.8 square meters per PDL which is “very far” from the current situation in jails.“Kahit nakakulong mga ‘yan, may karapatan pa rin sila (Even though they are imprisoned, they still have rights),” he added.
