Another BuCor wall: Bantag’s actions ‘irrational, unlawful,’ says Biazon

Muntinlupa City’s Lone District Rep. Ruffy Biazon. INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines — “Irrational and unlawful,” this was how Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon described the actions of Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gerald Bantag following the construction of another wall at an access road inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) compound.

Biazon said the local government of Muntinlupa is “strongly protesting” Bantag’s “haphazard policy decisions” to build the wall, especially when the building of the wall happened without proper notice to or coordination with local officials.

“Not only are his actions irrational and unlawful, they are also eroding the relationship between BuCor and the people and local government of Muntinlupa,” Biazon said in a statement.

“It is unfortunate that Director General Bantag has decided to order the construction of another wall, this time blocking access to and from Type B in the NBP Reservation, when we are still in the middle of talks regarding the wall they built along Insular Prison Road in March,” he added.

To recall, in March, the BuCor also put a concrete blockade on Insular Prison Road, barring some 40,000 residents access to the city proper.

“This is the Insular Road incident all over again where no proper coordination whatsoever was made with the City Government of Muntinlupa and the barangay prior to the implementation of the order from BuCor,” Biazon said.

“And just like the first wall they built, this wall is also illegal and is a nuisance as defined by Article 694 of the Civil Code for obstructing and interfering with the free passage of a public street,” he added.

Biazon said that the walls built by BuCor compromise the safety, security, and health of the affected residents because they are blocking the most accessible entryways into Southville 3 and Type B, which enable police, fire, and emergency services to quickly respond should the need arise.

House inquiry sought

Biazon has written to House Committee on Justice chair Vicente Veloso requesting for a public hearing on House Resolution No. 1666, which directs the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the closure of Insular Prison Road in the NBP Reservation by the BuCor.

“In the interest of justice in this time of the pandemic, it is my fervent hope that this request by this humble representation may be given immediate and due consideration by your honorable Committee,” Biazon said in his letter to Veloso.

Biazon likewise said he informed Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra of Bantag’s latest order.

Guevarra, in his reply to Biazon shared by the lawmaker, said that he “apologize[s] for BuCor’s lack of notice and prior coordination with the local government of Muntinlupa City.”

The justice secretary added that he will take up the incident with Bantag.

JPV