Metro Manila, Philippines – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has until Sunday, Nov. 8, to submit a comprehensive report on the authorization of a personal aide inside the detention cell of Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a statement on Friday.

Remulla said the issue needs immediate scrutiny and full accounting from the BJMP, saying that “the law must be applied equally across all jail facilities.” The information was disclosed during a Sandiganbayan hearing on the supposed privilege of the former House speaker to go in and out of the facility, an unverified claim retracted by former columnist Mon Tulfo.

The DILG chief, who has supervision over the BJMP, said incomplete findings, unsupported explanations, and failure to comply with this directive will not be accepted.

Remulla said he also expects the jail management leadership to preserve relevant records and make sure that the report is submitted within the prescribed period, noting that any violations established by the evidence will be addressed promptly, regardless of the persons involved.

“No special treatment. No selective enforcement. No one is above the law,” he said.