MANILA, Philippines - Gabriela party-list lawmakers are now calling for a congressional inquiry into the plight of women prisoners and detainees with special health needs.
Representatives Emmie de Jesus and Luzviminda Ilagan said the poor conditions of jails in the country aggravate the health conditions of women inmates, especially those who have babies.
The two partylist legislators filed House Resolution 2203, "directing the Committee on Human Rights to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the plight of women prisoners and detainees with special health needs."
The HR is now pending with the Committee on Rules for appropriate action.
The lawmakers said that "the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights."
They also cited the United Nations-Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (UN-SMRTP) which provides "all accommodation provided for the use of prisoners and in particular all sleeping accommodation shall meet requirements of health, due regard being paid to climactic conditions and particularly to cubic content of air, minimum floor space, lighting, heating and ventilation."
The UN-SMRTP specifically provides that the medical supplies, equipment and facilities should adequately address the health needs of ailing prisoners, they added.
"Should their health conditions require specialist treatment, sick prisoners should be transferred to specialized institutions or to civil hospitals," they said.