De Lima vows longer prison terms for drug lords

MANILA, Philippines–Rich convicts found to have been living luxuriously and plying illegal drug trade even behind bars will be penalized with longer prison terms, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said on Monday.

“Correct, more cases will be filed against them,” De Lima told reporters when asked about the possibility of the convicts, who were found to be enjoying posh quarters and keeping contraband, being penalized.

She said the role of the National Bureau of Investigation, whose agents conducted a raid, was for “follow-through investigation” and “case buildup” not only against the convicts but also against the prison officials who were found responsible.

De Lima said she was disgusted when she saw the drug convicts’ luxurious dwellings, which she described as similar to condominium units, at the state penitentiary.

Beyond disgusted

She added that she thought all along that the prison authorities had been doing something about the reports of VIP treatment of convicts.

“I’m completely disgusted. In fact I feel beyond disgusted because I thought problems like that are being dealt with because sometimes they (prison officials) conduct raids and they report results to me. They even have list of [seized] contraband. It now appears it’s just the tip of the iceberg,” she said.

She said prison officials probably did not know about the rich dwellings, which were supposed to be regular dormitory units, because the drug convicts were being protected by prison gangs.

“Maybe the New Bilibid Prison personnel could not get inside because they are prevented or not allowed. Or maybe, somehow, they are being threatened or bribed to turn a blind eye,” she said.

De Lima, however, said it could take “a few months” before the 20 convicts were returned to the New Bilibid Prison.

Renovation, CCTV

She said the Bureau of Corrections was planning to renovate one of the structures in the penitentiary, Building 14, and was just waiting for the allotted budget.

“We will make it more secure. We will put proper facilities, such as closed-circuit television cameras, and we will place dependable prison guards. It will take a few months,” she said.