CHR supports proposed increase in food, medicine allowances of PDLs
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has urged the government to increase the daily food and medicine allowances of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to ensure humane living conditions for them.
It expressed its full support to the proposal of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology's (BJMP) to increase the P70 daily food budget and P15 medicine budget for every PDL. The daily allocation has remained unchanged since 2022.
BJMP has aproposed a daily food budget of P100 and medicine budget of P30 per PDL.
"The CHR respectfully urges our legislators to consider BJMP's appeal," the CHR said in a statement. "After all, the Commission believes we share the same goal: to ensure humane conditions and adequate resources for the reformation of our PDLs, as well as to treat them with dignity and respect," it said.
In supporting BJMP's proposal, the CHR cited Articles 7 and 10 (Part III) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which provides that PDLs should be treated with humanity and with respect for the dignity of an individual.
It also said that Article 10 mandates that correctional systems should be designed to rehabilitate and assist with the social reintegration of inmates.
"As a State Party to the ICCPR, the Commission emphasizes that the State has an obligation to adhere to these international standards and fully respect the rights of all individuals, including PDLs. This responsibility entails providing sufficient funds for their basic food and medical needs," it added.
For its part, the CHR affirms its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of PDLs, as it strongly believes that "a humane approach to incarceration is crucial to genuine rehabilitation and social reintegration."