With the current approved budget and proposal for infrastructure projects amounting to more than Php 2.89 Billion, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) expects a significant decrease in the congestion rate of the 473 jail facilities being managed by the agency.
The Jail Bureau expects an all-time low congestion rate of 137.28 % upon completion of infrastructure projects allotted from fiscal year 2017 to 2019. The 3-year construction outlay covers a total of 257 projects which include perimeter fence installation, construction of a jail building and additional cells, and installation of other jail amenities such as overhead water system and infirmaries.
“We are closely monitoring the completion of these construction projects since its impact will greatly benefit the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) under our care.” BJMP Chief Jail Director Allan S. Iral said.
At present, the existing cell area occupied by PDL measures 126, 551 square meters and should ideally house more than 26 thousand PDLs only. But with the projected additional facilities, an additional cell area of 239, 135 sq.m. or an added capacity of almost 51,000 PDLs will soon be realized.
According to the June 2019 data provided by BJMP Directorate for Logistics, the completion of the ongoing infrastructure projects will create a total cell area of 365,686 square meters and could accommodate around 77,806 individuals, decreasing the recorded congestion rate of 396.69 % to 137.28 % or a substantial drop of 65.4% percent in jail overcrowding.
From March to June this year, seven jail facilities have already been inaugurated. The biggest among the 7 projects is the construction of the new Quezon City Jail Female Dorm building amounting to Php 68 million. Followed by Bacoor City Jail-MD and Imus City Jail worth Php 40 million and Php 32 million respectively. Two jails from BJMP-Region VII, Tagbilaran and Talisay City Jail, were also inaugurated.
“We have a number of jail building rehabilitation and construction lined up in the coming year as construction outlay for 2019 has reached Php 2.89 billion. These improvements are all in track with the “Build, Build, Build” program of the national government to provide a more livable space among PDL while they are awaiting trial.” The BJMP Chief explained.
“A rippling effect will be seen once the problem of limited space is addressed. Spread of communicable disease, jail disturbances, security and operational issues will all be properly attended to.” he added.
