NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Gov't And SC To Tackle Prison Congestion
Photo credit: PCO
In a joint effort with the Supreme Court and key stakeholders, the government initiated a summit at Manila's Diamond Hotel on December 6 to 7, focusing on a comprehensive analysis of the country's penal system to address prison congestion.
Justice Assistance Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano revealed in a Friday briefing that the summit will include representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Supreme Court, and other stakeholders.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., accompanied by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Speaker Martin Romualdez, is set to attend the event.
The summit aims to propose strategies such as reducing prison admissions, increasing inmate releases, and expanding jail facility capacity, with a focus on both short-term and long-term goals.
Clavano emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of women in conflict with the law (WICL), including minor offenders, sexually and physically abused women, pregnant WICLs, nursing WICLs, women with disabilities, and elderly female prisoners.
A December 2021 survey highlighted that among 199,079 inmates, 11 percent were females, with 69.51 percent undergoing preventive detention. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology faces significant overcrowding, with an average congestion rate of 386 percent.
Notably, the Quezon City Male Dormitory holds the highest congestion rate at 1,330 percent. The summit aims to devise new rules and manuals to address the specific challenges faced by female PDLs.
Through this initiative, the government, Supreme Court, and concerned departments aim to alleviate the strain on the penal system and enhance the overall effectiveness of the country's criminal justice system.
Justice Assistance Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano revealed in a Friday briefing that the summit will include representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Supreme Court, and other stakeholders.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., accompanied by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Speaker Martin Romualdez, is set to attend the event.
The summit aims to propose strategies such as reducing prison admissions, increasing inmate releases, and expanding jail facility capacity, with a focus on both short-term and long-term goals.
Clavano emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of women in conflict with the law (WICL), including minor offenders, sexually and physically abused women, pregnant WICLs, nursing WICLs, women with disabilities, and elderly female prisoners.
A December 2021 survey highlighted that among 199,079 inmates, 11 percent were females, with 69.51 percent undergoing preventive detention. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology faces significant overcrowding, with an average congestion rate of 386 percent.
Notably, the Quezon City Male Dormitory holds the highest congestion rate at 1,330 percent. The summit aims to devise new rules and manuals to address the specific challenges faced by female PDLs.
Through this initiative, the government, Supreme Court, and concerned departments aim to alleviate the strain on the penal system and enhance the overall effectiveness of the country's criminal justice system.
Dec 1, 2023
