Santiago decries double standard in prison
MANILA, Philippines–Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has cried foul over reports that some moneyed prisoners are getting special treatment at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).
In a statement on the weekend, the senator called attention to her resolution directing the Senate committee on justice to investigate the “extravagant lifestyle of rich prisoners and the double standard applied in treating inmates” at the NBP’s maximum security compound.
In Resolution No. 525, Santiago cited a news report that described the compound as a “high-end subdivision.”
“How can there be justice in our correctional system when we have a double standard between poor and rich inmates?” she said in her statement.
“These prisoners are supposed to be experiencing punishment for their crimes, not taking a vacation. They are making a mockery out of the justice system by turning our jails into their own private resorts.”
Santiago filed a bill last October seeking to “prevent luxurious conditions in prisons.”
“Under the equal protection clause of the Constitution, all persons similarly situated should receive similar treatment,” Santiago said. “It does not matter whether you’re a Johnny caught picking pockets or a Johnny charged with plunder. All detainees and prisoners, whether common criminals or senators, should have the same accommodations.”
Last week, two NBP doctors and the prison’s chief guard were dismissed for the special treatment supposedly given to convicted drug lord Ricardo Camata.–Christian V. Esguerra
