The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been ordered to investigate allegations that Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officials have been offering inmates hospital stay in exchange for money.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra directed the NBI to probe the so-called “hospital pass for sale” reports.
In his order, Guevarra told the NBI “to conduct an investigation and case build-up on the alleged illegal practice of transferring Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) to the New Bilibid Prison Hospital for monetary consideration and, if evidence warrants, to file the appropriate charges against persons found responsible therefor.”
He ordered NBI Director Dante Gierran to submit reports on the progress of the investigation and case build-up directly to his office.
The allegations came into light during the Senate inquiry over the implementation of the GCTA which led to the release of undeserving convicts of heinous crimes.
“We have received reports that some inmates were moved into the New Bilibid Prison Hospital by faking their illness and buying the so-called ‘hospital referral pass’ from BuCor employees,” Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go revealed during the hearings.
While at the hospital, the inmates enjoy better treatment compared to the general prison populace.
Because of this, Guevarra gave his commitment to the Senate to order the NBI to conduct a probe over the reports. (Jeffrey Damicog)
