The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has express its full support to the initiatives in Congress to place the control and supervision of all provincial, city and municipal jails under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

In a statement, the CHR said that BJMP's control and supervision will enhance the government's capacity to deliver efficient jail management.

It said it has submitted a position paper endorsing House Bills Nos. 1352 and 4593 which "would address the key issues in the management of the country’s jail system, including its decentralized and fragmented administration and supervision,"

By standardizing and centralizing operations under a single professional institution, the CHR said that the initiative aligns with the mandate outlined in Section 2 of Republic Act No. 9263, an Act Providing for the Professionalization of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

The bills when enacted into a law will set a national standard for policies and practices to make the Philippine penal system more effective, it said.

The policies and practices that would be set up in the proposed law would improve the delivery of jail services, implement stronger security measures to manage persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), and ensure the well-being of inmates," the CHR explained.

It also pointed out that the BJMP is better equipped with resources and expertise that would make it more proficient in addressing the unique conditions and challenges within correctional facilities. 

At the same time, the CHR suggested establishing clear distinctions among facilities and categorizing jails into three types: provincial, city, and municipal. Additional or support jails will be designated to complement existing facilities and classified as subcategories, it said.

It also pointed out that jail management should focus on the transition of PDLs back into society by developing programs between local government units (LGUs) and the BJMP to ensure that PDLs have access to rehabilitation, skills development, and community support.

The CHR also said: "The CHR recognizes the importance of valuing the dignity of every individual and upholding full respect for human rights. These reforms are crucial in promoting a more effective and humane correctional system—one that prioritizes the rehabilitation of PDLs while maintaining high standards in correctional facilities. The Commission will continue to advocate for these changes to build a fairer, more just system for everyone."