Sebastian: Legislation needed to improve conditions in Bilibid

MANILA, Philippines -- High-profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian said there is a need for a law to upgrade the New Bilibid Prison to curb the hardships and crimes inside national penitentiary.

"Sa totoo lang kailangan po ng batas dahil sigurado kailangan po ng malaking pondo eh," Sebastian said.

During a hearing on Monday on the Bilibid drug trade, Sebastian said that the New Bilibid Prison needs a better facility to house inmates.

Republic Act 10575, or the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013, was meant to strengthen the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) by upgrading its facilities and hiring more and better personnel. 

Sebastian said during the hearing that the setup of Bicutan is similar to the Manila City Jail since inmates are housed in large warehouse-like structures that are filled to capacity.

He said the BuCor need to build a place where inmates can live comfortably like in Building 14 in Bilibid's Maximum Security Compound, where inmates have their own room, bed, and toilet.

Sebastian also said that that inmates have to shell out money while in prison.

According to Sebastian, his electric bills would reach P70,000 to P200,000 a month due to the high power rate charged by BuCor officials. He said that he also has to pay for water.

"Kailangan ko ho talaga mag-provide para masustain yung buhay namin," Sebastian added.

Sebastian said that in a way, legislation will be able to help lessen the hardships they face in the NBP.

"Pero kung ang magpapatupad diyan ay mga corrupt na officials din at guwardiya, balik din po tayo sa dati," Sebastian added.