BY MINKA TIANGCO
The Manila Regional Trial Court on Wednesday trimmed down a detained activist’s furlough from three full days to a total of six hours so she can visit the wake and burial of her three-month-old daughter.
Manila RTC Branch 47 Judge Paulino Gallegos allowed Reina Mae Nasino from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday to visit the wake and burial of her infant River who died on October 9 due to respiratory failure.
“During the hearing, Jail Inspector Vidano invoked the BJMP Manual which provides that an inmate shall not be allowed to stay more than three (3) hours in the place where the remains of the deceased relative lie,” the court order read.
“Upon consideration of the respective arguments and positions of both parties and considering the nature of the crimes as charged, the Court finds that the Order of this Court dated 13 October 2020 allowing accused Reina Mae Nasino to attend the wake and burial of her daughter needs to be amended,” it added.
The Manila City Jail opposed the three-day furlough granted to Nasino on Tuesday. Among the conditions that came with her furlough is that she will have to shoulder the expenses for her escorts.
During the hearing, the Manila City Jail said they do not have enough facilities to care for the activist should she come back to jail sick.
Earlier, Manila City Jail Chief Inspector Maria Ignacia Monteron penned a letter to the court asking them to shorten Nasino’s furlough, citing lack of personnel.
Nasino’s counsels at the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) argued that the jail has an isolation facility and that it is the government’s responsibility to provide those services to persons deprived of liberty.
“Security and health reasons obviously apply only to the least, last and lost in society than to the privileged and powerful,” NUPL President Edre Olalia said in a statement. (Minka Tiangco)
