
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) chief Director Ruel Rivera commended the Senate for recognizing the value of a "centralized and standardized" approach in jail management.
In a statement, Rivera stated that the Senate’s recent approval of Senate Bill 2352 or the proposed Jail Integration Act signified a confirmation to the bureau’s capability to supervise and manage the provincial and sub-provincial jails in the country.
"The approval of Senate Bill 2352 marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen and improve the corrections system in the country," he said.
"The proposed Jail Integration Act is poised to bring about a more efficient and centralized approach to the administration of provincial and sub-provincial jails, aligning with the BJMP's mission to provide humane safekeeping and developmental opportunities for persons deprived of liberty (PDL)," he noted.
The BJMP explained that the "groundbreaking legislation" aims to transfer the management and supervision of the provincial and sub-provincial jails to the bureau, adding that it has received overwhelming support from the distinguished members of the Senate.
To recall, the Senate bill was passed on third and final reading last Monday after garnering 19 affirmative votes, with zero negative votes and no abstentions, underscoring the unified commitment of lawmakers to enhance and streamline the correctional system in the country.
Currently, all the provincial and sub-provincial jails in the country are being managed by local government units (LGUs).
During the transition period, the BJMP vowed to have an active collaboration with the stakeholders, including the LGUs and relevant agencies, to ensure the smooth implementation of the Jail Integration Act.
“To ensure a seamless transition, we will be working diligently with provincial governments and other stakeholders, to implement the provisions of the Jail Integration Act responsibly and effectively,” Rivera added.
The BJMP chief said he looks forward to the positive impact of the Jail Integration Act as it "ushers in a new era of efficient and humane jail management."
At present, the BJMP oversees the supervision of 482 jail facilities across the district, city, and municipal levels of the country.