By Brian Campued
The new Quezon City Jail along Payatas Road is ready to house the individuals who may be indicted in the multi-billion-peso flood control scandal, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Jonvic Remulla said.
During an inspection of the newly constructed building of Quezon City Jail – Male Dormitory (QCJMD), Remulla clarified that while the DILG has no authority to decide where the accused would be detained, the jail was the closest facility to the Sandiganbayan.
Sandiganbayan is the special court that has jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases involving graft and corrupt practices and other offenses committed by public officers and employees.
According to Remulla, at least 200 individuals may face charges during the first round of indictments in the flood control scandal, which can be expected in the next three weeks.
“Gusto kong ipakita na handa ang BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology), na handa ang mga facilities,” Remulla said. “Hindi kami aatras sa mga obligasyon namin para gampanan ang katungkulan namin bilang in-charge sa lahat ng BJMP jails sa buong Pilipinas.”
He likewise stressed that no special treatment will be afforded to any person deprived of liberty (PDL) as the principle of equal treatment is enshrined in the law.
“Kung ang nagnanakaw ng konting halaga at nagsa-shoplift ng lotion ay dito kinukukulong, ang nagnanakaw ng bilyon-bilyon, sa aking palagay, ay dapat na rin sila dito ilagay,” he said.
The QCJMD has 80 unoccupied dorms, capable of accommodating at least 10 PDLs each. The facility also has bathrooms, showers, toilets, infirmary, purified drinking water, areas for exercise and sunlight exposure, and dedicated quarters for lawyer-client consultations.
“Wala nang overcrowding. This will be the new standard para sa lahat ng BJMP jails. Kapag nakuha na namin ang budget namin, ito ang standard na susundin namin,” Remulla said.
The DILG chief also underscored that cellphones, laptops, or tablets will not be allowed in jail—save for a computer to be used only for teleconference between a PDL and their lawyer as well as a landline that is monitored by jail officers. (with report from Patrick de Jesus / PTV News)
-jpv
