The government has set aside P3 billion to build several jail facilities to ease prison congestion in the country, President Duterte announced yesterday.
The President affirmed the government’s resolve to provide “habitable prison” for inmates as he joined the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in celebrating its 28th anniversary in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
“I am glad to report that the government has allotted P3 billion for the construction of 60 new jail facilities to reduce jail congestion rate,” he said.
“Always keep in mind that that this administration will continue to pursue measures that will empower you in addressing the perennial problem that you face, particularly jail congestion. Baka next year ha baka subukan,” he added.
The President recognized the BJMP’s commitment to bring positive change among persons deprived of liberty through infrastructure improvements and the reformative programs.
But Duterte admitted there is a “bedlam” in the country’s prison system due to the huge number of people arrested by authorities. He said he “grieves” for the innocent persons arrested but he believes most inmates are guilty.
“As a prosecutor, in a scale of 1 to 10, ‘pag may nagkamali tayo diyan, mga isa, dalawa, most of them are really – ‘yung mga may kasalanan,” he said. “I can only pray for the innocent. But the others, they can rot in hell for all time,” he added. (Genalyn Kabiling)
