The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is prepared to detain around 200 individuals in its regular jail facility in the event that charges are filed over the flood control scandal, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla assured on Monday, Oct. 20.

In a press briefing, Remulla stressed that “the rules of the jail will apply to the rich and to the poor the same,’’ adding that the first round of the indictment in the flood control wrongdoings may be filed in the next three weeks.

“We are preparing regular jail cells. If a thief of P100 at SM, if a thief and a shoplifter of lotion are jailed here, those who steal billions, in my opinion, should also be jailed here,” Remulla asserted.

While the courts have the discretion to decide where persons to be indicted will be detained, Remulla pointed out that the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas is the closest and most convenient BJMP facility to the special anti-graft court Sandiganbayan.

He said that the New Quezon City Jail has a bathroom, a shower, a toilet, purified drinking water, an area for exercise and private quarters where the accused may confer with their legal counsels.

The DILG chief noted that the custodial facility at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame and in Bicutan will no longer be available to hold individuals involved in the multi-billion flood control mess.

Echoing the sentiment of BJMP Director Ruel Rivera, Remulla maintained that the BJMP, which is an attached agency of the DILG, is not backing out of obligation to fulfill the role as the office in charge of all jails in the Philippines.

Based on the Senate and Congressional hearings, Remulla said that it appears all the names were already revealed there, “I think, they will be the first ones to be indicted.”

But, Remulla clarified having “no personal knowledge of what the Ombudsman is doing,’’ saying that “based only on what I see and hear, the evidence shown at the Senate is heavy.”