BJMP embraces proposal to expand its jurisdiction to more jails

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said on Monday that the proposal to give the bureau jurisdiction over provincial and sub-provincial jails will lead to a more effective management of the penal system.

In a statement, the BJMP said that the “fragmented” set-up in the penal system impedes sound management of jails in the country since it creates different standards in the administration and maintenance of facilities and in handling prisoners.

“The measure will greatly result in a more effective corrections management,” the jail bureau said.

The BJMP said this in response to bills filed in Congress, including Senate Bill No. 1100 filed by Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa which seeks to improve the penal system in the country and ensure the protection of prisoners.

Dela Rosa, former chief of the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Corrections, said local jails are currently under the control of two different authorities: city, municipal, and district jails are under the BJMP, while provincial and sub-provincial jails are supervised by the provincial government.

According to the BJMP, this arrangement “makes it difficult to establish an integrated approach to jail management.”

“More often than not, it leads to lack of focus and functional overlaps, diffusion in security, welfare and development, restoration and rehab activities,” the BJMP said.

It added that it “accepts the challenge to seek solutions” in jail management.

“The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology has the experience and technical capability,” the statement said./TSB