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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ welcomes any legislative probe on alleged BuCor abuses

DOJ welcomes any legislative probe on alleged BuCor abuses

Published Aug 10, 2025 07:17 pm
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sunday, August 10, welcomed the plan of the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry into alleged abuses committed inside the prison facilities of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).
“We are always supportive of any effort to improve the service of the Department and any of its attached agencies,” DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said.
Clavano responded to reports that the Makabayan bloc of the House filed a resolution that sought a legislative inquiry into the alleged abuses at the BuCor including the banning of Kapatid human rights group spokesperson Fides Lim from visiting its prisons.
Last July, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. said he welcomes any legislative investigation that was sought by Lim.
Catapang said that BuCor “is not hiding anything and I can proudly say that the Bureau is one of the most transparent agencies of this administration and we value our commitment to accountability.”
He assured that the BuCor will collaborate in the proposed inquiry.
Lim had earlier said that despite its security updates, the BuCor enforces “irrational, arbitrary, and oppressive procedures,” especially against those visiting political prisoners who are well known not to engage in illegal drugs.
She claimed that the security system enforced by BuCor “is so convoluted and exhausting, and it has become a circus that even a dog would tire out from jumping through every bureaucratic, loopy hoop they keep inventing for show.”
Catapang said that Lim’s “habitual misconduct poses a significant risk to the stability of correctional facilities.”
“What we prohibited is an individual who refuses to follow established rules and regulations inside our corrections facilities and not the organization, not the bringing of food or donations for persons deprived of liberty,” he stressed.
He pointed out that when individuals repeatedly ignore security measures and challenge institutional authority, it creates an environment of disorder.
“This kind of behavior not only undermines the enforcement of rules but also heightens the chances of security breaches,” he added.
He also said that Lim’s behavior could escalate into more serious disruptions that will jeopardize the safety of correctional staff, detainees, and visitors alike.
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