BJMP backs integration with BuCor to ‘streamline’ processes
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said on Thursday that it supports plans to integrate its functions with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), citing the potential to streamline correctional systems and policies. (Photos by Renz Palalimpa)
MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) backed on Thursday plans to integrate its functions with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), citing the potential to streamline correctional systems and policies.
BJMP spokesperson Chief Inspector Jayrex Bustinera told the Inquirer that discussions are still underway between the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which supervises the BJMP, and the Department of Justice (DOJ), which supervises BuCor.
The departments are led by siblings Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Justice Secretary Boying Remulla.
“It’s still a work in progress,” Bustinera said. “If the merger or the unification of these two agencies happens, it will make uniform systems and policies.”
READ: DILG mulling BJMP, BuCor integration to streamline prison system
Bustinera explained that a merger could unify the bureaus’ efforts, especially toward restorative justice, which entails viewing crime not just as a violation of the law but as harm inflicted on relationships between the offender, the victim, and the community.
“Right now, I can’t speak for BuCor, but I believe if we come up with restorative justice policies … if we are together, it will be streamlined. There will only be one imprisonment system followed,” Bustinera said.
Bustinera said the integration would help both agencies access each other’s resources, too.
“[It works] both ways. The BJMP can benefit from the resources of the BuCor … and the BuCor can benefit from the resources of the BJMP,” he explained, citing that the BJMP has 484 jails and 27,000 personnel nationwide.
READ: Jail congestion down to 298% from 600% – BJMP
Bustinera said that it would be consistent with the administration’s plan for a unified penology and corrections system, as described in the Philippine Development Plan for 2023 to 2028.
He made the remarks at a press conference on restorative justice organized by Climate Conflict Action. Its chair, University of the Philippines professor Pancho Lara, said that the administration must frame the unification around shared goals like restorative justice.
“I would tell the President to unite them in terms of the orientation towards distributive and restorative justice so they both have that same orientation,” Lara told the Inquirer.
“That’s our only concern is the distinctive competencies of the two units—that it’s not just in the topic of cost-cutting … They have particular competencies that we hope will be protected and can be respected,” he said.
