COA REPORT | Congestion down but jails still 4 times overcrowded

June 11, 2019 , 01:25 PM

JUNE 11, 2019 – Jail congestion in the Philippines eased down in 2018, but the capacity remained high, resulting in the unhealthy living conditions of inmates.

In its 2018 report, the Commission on Audit (COA) called out the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for overpopulated jails that violate its own manual and the United Nations Minimum Standard Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

The audit body figures showed a total jail population of 136,314 as of December 31, exceeding the total ideal capacity of 25,268. This resulted in a 439.48 percent congestion rate, lower than the 612 percent congestion rate reported in 2017.

Zamboanga Peninsula has the most overcrowded jails, followed by Central Visayas and CALABARZON. Jails in the ARMM is the least congested jail.

“Congestion in jails lead not only to health and sanitation problems but also to increased gang affiliation of inmates. To sustain survival, inmates hold on to gangs or pangkat where they find protection, network of social support and most important, access to material benefits. These situations are prevalent in highly congested facilities,” the COA said.

The increase in jail populations was attributed to the rise in the number of drug-related cases and the court’s slow or no action on pending cases due to various factors.

“Other reason of increased jail populations are the non-movement or non-release on bail of detainees due to poverty. Some cases were bailable but detainees who are below poverty line cannot afford to post bail so they were stuck in the jails,” COA said.

It also noted that the parcel of land where existing jail buildings were constructed has limited lot area, making it impossible for the construction or horizontal expansions of the buildings.

For its part, the BJMP said it is collaborating with the Supreme Court to effect more impactful decongestion initiatives. It also seeks the court’s approval of the proposed “Katatagan Kontra Droga sa Komunidad” program for inmates charged with drug-related offenses.

Nonetheless, the COA recommended the BJMP to prioritize the acquisition of lots and construction projects for the improvement of jail facilities.

It also urged the management to continue its efforts to decongest overcrowded jails, including its Good Conduct Time Allowance process and release of inmates on recognizance.

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