Higher subsistence for inmates urged amid BuCor irregularities

MANILA, Philippines — An administration lawmaker is calling for an increase in the daily subsistence allowance for prisoners amid the overcrowding of penal facilities in the country.

Quezon City Rep. Precious Hipolito-Castelo asked that the P50 daily subsistence allowance for inmates be doubled, saying this is a measly amount especially with the overcrowding in jails and state penitentiaries.

In filing House Bill 1607, Castelo called for the government to address problems of overcrowding or congestion in penal facilities.

“These problems result in health and welfare issues that need to be addressed since these inhumane conditions of our jails are crying out for reform,” Castelo said.

Castelo also underscored the inmates’ need for “medical attention.”

“The other component is for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to establish tie up with the local LGU for the establishment of secondary jails for the immediate purpose of decongesting old and existing jails or facilities,” Castelo said. 

Castelo stressed the need to improve inadequate jail facilities in the country, citing the Manila City Jail which can only accommodate 1,000 but now holds 5,300 detainees. 

The New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa is about 500 percent over its normal capacity, she said.

Castelo added the amount necessary to implement the proposal should be included in the national budget. 

“The LGU under this proposed measure is given the initiative and motivation to actually complement the BJMP so that individuals or persons in this jail shall be considered constituents of the LGUs and as such part and parcel of the community or public that the LGUs serve,” Castelo said.