No fees for inmates’ COVID-19 tests – BuCor

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (Bucor) on Sunday denied reports that it is collecting fees of up to P5,000 for the swab test of inmates.

The BuCor warned the public against a modus operandi of individuals pretending to be personnel of the Bureau of Pardons and Parole.

BuCor spokesman Gabriel Chaclag said the agency is not asking payment for the COVID-19 tests of inmates, who are scheduled for release.

“It is not true that BuCor collects fees for swab or antigen tests of inmates. COVID tests are given for free,” Chaclag said.