Only in the Philippines: Gov’t building jails for VIPs

A first-class jail for first-class felons?

Not fair, said a group of former political prisoners who deplored the ongoing construction of the “state-of-the-art” detention facility as it “would only widen the gap among prisoners.”

A statement released by the Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (Selda) expressed the group’s “disappointment” on the construction of the jail meant for “politicians and personalities who pocketed, exploited and took advantage of the nation’s coffers.”

Among the high-profile personalities charged with plunder for their alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam are Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada.

The modern jail facility being built beside the Taguig City Jail inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Lower Bicutan is expected to be finished next year.

In an earlier TV interview, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson Insp. Aris Villaester said the detention facility will have a computerized lock system and its own courtroom.

Selda national coordinator

Roneo Clamor said that female political detainees couldn’t help but compare their detention cell with the ongoing construction.

“Detainees in regular jails suffer since they are cramped in small spaces; there is a shortage of beds and a lack of water supply and facilities for those who are sick,” he added.

Housed a few meters away on the fourth floor of the Taguig City Jail, the nine Selda prisoners occupy four cells along with 130 other female inmates.

No toilet

“Twenty-eight to 35 detainees occupy the 6 x 3 meters cell,” Clamor said, adding that “at least 24 inmates use the triple bunk beds meant for only 18. The rest sleep on the cold cement floor.”

The Selda national coordinator said the infirmary at the female dorm does not even have a faucet or a comfort room.

In contrast, the two-story modern jail will have enough space for 200 inmates, with each room able to accommodate three inmates, Villaester said.

“Female detainees live under such conditions, while they see (Enrile’s former chief of staff)

Gigi Reyes, who is also detained in the same jail for plunder, (having) her own cell next to the warden’s office.  (The Selda prisoners also) witness how much restaurant food is (allowed) Reyes, while they have to make do with the measly P50 a day food ration,” Clamor added.

Selda also questioned the funding for the new facility, which they said was given a P20-million allocation under the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program.

Villaester told the Inquirer over the phone that he had already requested details of the jail’s funding and will release it along with the complete details on the infrastructure’s capacity and features when he gets the information.

Instead of “a first class jail,” the government should instead address the need to reform and rehabilitate jails in the country, the Selda prisoners said.

Among the Selda detainees who questioned the construction of the modern facility were National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace consultant Ma. Loida Magpatoc, Gemma Carag, Marissa Espedido, Pastora Latagan, Evelyn Legaspi, Rhea Pareja, Miguela Peniero and Andrea Rosal.

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