Bishop confirms special treatment for VIPs in Munti

MANILA, Philippines—Special treatment for VIPs and other inequalities have been in practice in state penitentiaries for a long time, a Roman Catholic prelate said yesterday.

“There’s a culture of impunity where if one is rich, influential and powerful, one can get away from detention, such as what has happened to ex-Batangas Governor Antonio Leviste and former Zamboanga del Norte Representative Romeo Jalosjos,” Puerto Princesa Bishop Pedro Arigo said over the Church-owned Radio Veritas.

“When you go to prison, there’s no equal treatment; there’s VIP treatment,” he said.

Easy to understand

Arigo, who chairs the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care, said corruption in the penal system was “easy to understand” because rich convicts were known to use their money and influence as early as during their trial.

“I see many such instances because I go to [the New Bilibid Prison in] Muntinlupa,” he said. “I won’t make them public, but that’s what is sad in our criminal justice system at present.”

He said he had heard about wealthy convicts being allowed air-conditioning units in their cottages: “You need to be rich [in order to] avail yourself of privileges while in prison.”

Empty symbol

Arigo said the Aquino administration should investigate corruption in the penal system.

“It’s clear that we don’t have real justice,” he said, adding:

“Lady Justice with the blindfold and scales is an empty symbol.

“Equal protection under the law is only good on paper.

“The reality is if you’re poor and money-less, you don’t have any influence and you’re pitiful. But if you’re rich, influential and have connections, even if you go to jail you get VIP treatment.”