Angara: Changes in BuCor can possibly be seen in four months

Reforms in the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) can possibly be evident within the next four months, Senator Sonny Angara made the assurance on Thursday, November 10.

At the continuation of the Senate’s debates on the proposed P5.268-trillion national budget for 2023, Angara said systemic changes in the BuCor would be implemented within two to four years.

But when Sen. Raffy Tulfo asked if changes can already be made in two to four months, Angara replied in the affirmative.

“In four months, may ipinapangako na ho silang pagbabago. Maaaring hindi 100 percent pero uumpisahan na ho at magpapakitang gilas na po sila (They have already promised changes. It may not be 100 percent but they will start showing improvements),” Angara said, defending the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) proposed budget for next year.

The BuCor is an attached agency of the DOJ.

BuCor has recently come under scrutiny following revelations that an insider in the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) had provided the order to kill veteran journalist Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa.

Tulfo pointed out corruption is rife inside the NBP and wondered whether it will ever stop.

Tulfo also questioned the smuggling of contraband inside the BuCor, suggesting to the governmetn to conduct a thorough cleansing of the bureau.

Angara, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, said BuCor officials agree with Tulfo and promised to institute reforms.