Remulla bares, hits corruption in Bilibid catering deal

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla bared the prevailing culture of corruption in the catering services at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Speaking before the Senate panel on finance’s hearing on the 2025 budget of the Department of Justice, Remulla said the problem starts with bidding.

“Ang problema nga, maraming gustong kumita at dyan po tayo nalilintikan. Ang estimate ng aking mga kasama sa loob ng DOJ sa P70 [ay] maswerte na kung P45 ay pumupunta talaga sa lamesa ng bawat nakakulong,” said Remulla.

(The problem is that many people want to make money, and that’s where the problem comes in. Our colleagues in DOJ estimate that it’s already good if P45 of the PP70 daily meal allowance goes to each prisoner.)

“Kaya yun po ‘yung isang problema dyan. Kaya we have to figure out a way to feed them without any corruption coming in,” he added.

(That’s the problem. That’s why we must find a solution to feed them while preventing corruption.)

Sen. Grace Poe, who was presiding over the hearing as panel chairperson, asked who was behind the supposed corruption.

Remulla, however, did not give any details and instead said that had been prevailing for quite some time.

“Kultura na po ito. Nandyan na sa napakahabang panahon,” said Remulla.

(It has become a culture. It has been there for quite some time.)

Remulla shared that when he was named justice secretary,  he was immediately approached by those interested in the NBP catering contract but did not entertain them.