DOJ orders NBI to probe ‘hospital pass for sale’ at NBP

MANILA, Philippines–Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe and start a case build-up on the reported “hospital pass for sale” practice at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

The Department Order made public Tuesday stated that the NBI “is hereby directed and granted authority to conduct an investigation and case build-up on the alleged illegal practice of transferring persons deprived of liberty (PDL) to the New Bilibid Prison hospital for monetary consideration.”

“If evidence warrants [the NBI is directed] to file the appropriate charges against persons found responsible therefor,” read the order.

Guevarra also required NBI Director Dante Gierran to submit progress reports on the investigation directly to his office.

The NBI is an attached agency of the DOJ.

Reports earlier said inmates from the NBP managed to get out of jail by pretending to be sick and securing a “hospital referral official pass” from BuCor employees. By possessing a pass, they could be transferred to the NBP hospital and escape the congested jails.

The “hospital pass for sale” was revealed at a time when the implementation and computation of the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) or inmates are being criticized the subject of investigation and review.  /muf