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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BJMP: Jail congestion, slow case resolution hinder justice reforms

BJMP: Jail congestion, slow case resolution hinder justice reforms

Published Jul 8, 2025 03:04 pm

At A Glance

  • The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) cites jail congestion, slow case resolution, and limited rehabilitation support as major justice system challenges.
  • Over 70% of inmates face charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
  • BJMP pushes for improved inmate services, structured spiritual care, and legal reforms.
  • Officials stress the need to review drug laws to ease overcrowding and improve rehabilitation outcomes.
(From left) lawyer Glenda Litong, Law Reform Specialist at the UP Institute of Human Rights; JSSUPT Roy P. Valenzuela, Acting Director for Program Development of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP); Ms. Judea Asuncion, Director and Chairperson of the Restorative Justice Committee of the Parole and Probation Administration; and lawyer Ruth Eunice L. Mina-Diamante, Attorney VI at the Office for Legal Affairs of the Civil Service Commission, engage in a panel discussion on restorative justice and jail reform during the opening of a three-day BJMP-led training and conference in Quezon City. (Photo via Trixee Rosel)
(From left) lawyer Glenda Litong, Law Reform Specialist at the UP Institute of Human Rights; JSSUPT Roy P. Valenzuela, Acting Director for Program Development of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP); Ms. Judea Asuncion, Director and Chairperson of the Restorative Justice Committee of the Parole and Probation Administration; and lawyer Ruth Eunice L. Mina-Diamante, Attorney VI at the Office for Legal Affairs of the Civil Service Commission, engage in a panel discussion on restorative justice and jail reform during the opening of a three-day BJMP-led training and conference in Quezon City. (Photo via Trixee Rosel)
Persistent jail overcrowding, slow case resolution, and limited rehabilitation support continue to hamper reforms in the country’s criminal justice system, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said on Tuesday, Jul. 8.
BJMP Acting Director for Program Development, Jail Senior Supt. Roy P. Valenzuela raised the concern during the opening of a three-day conference on restorative justice , noting that the number of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) entering jails still far exceeds the pace of release despite infrastructure improvements.
“While some facilities meet ideal standards, many others remain in substandard conditions, creating an imbalance that affects the quality of inmate care and rehabilitation,” Valenzuela said, stressing that extreme congestion limits the potential for reform.
He pointed out that more than 70 percent of PDLs are facing charges under Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, which remains the primary driver of jail congestion nationwide.
Valenzuela also cited challenges in delivering basic services to inmates, including the ₱70 daily food budget per person, a shortage of medical staff, and procedural barriers that restrict referrals to outside hospitals.
He said that while doctors are doing their best, they are too few to meet the needs of a growing inmate population, and that support from community health partners remains limited.
Valenzuela further underscored the need for structured and coordinated spiritual care, warning that while many religious volunteers are active, their unaligned messages may confuse PDLs rather than support their rehabilitation.
He added that while many jail officers are open to serving as spiritual mentors, most lack the training needed to guide inmates in a meaningful and accountable way.
The BJMP called for stronger collaboration with local governments, communities, and civil society groups and urged better alignment of institutional goals with measurable rehabilitation outcomes.
Valenzuela also emphasized the need to revisit current drug policies, warning that without legal reforms, jail congestion and underperforming rehabilitation programs will continue to undermine public safety and national development.

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