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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BJMP says Marcoleta, high-profile PDLs not detained in air-conditioned cells

BJMP says Marcoleta, high-profile PDLs not detained in air-conditioned cells

Published Jul 18, 2026 12:58 pm  |  Updated Jul 18, 2026 01:11 pm
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) clarified on Saturday, July 18, that Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and other high-profile inmates detained at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory (QCJMD) are not detained in air-conditioned jails. 
BJMP spokesperson Supt. Jayrex Bustinera insisted that all persons deprived of liberty (PDL) under the bureau’s supervision are treated equally and no one among them receive VIP (very important person) considerations.
He issued the clarification following suspicions by BJMP critics that Marcoleta and other selected VIP inmates are living comfortably and detained in the QCJMD’s air-conditioned cells.
Referring to the claims as “unfounded, Bustinera brushed these off, explaining that the cells with split-type aircon are administrative facilities and consultation rooms for doctors and staff, not for inmates.
“That's the doctors' consultation area, yung may aircon. Infirmary cell cellblock yung isolation cell,’’ Bustinera noted.
Currently, Marcoleta is detained at the QCJMD’s infirmary and will be transferred to the PDL general population on July 22.
“General population siya (Marcoleta) after one week (July 22). Similar to the cells as inspected previously by the Secretary Juanito Victor “Jinvic’’ Remulla (Marcoleta will be placed with the general population after one week. Similar to the cells as inspected by Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla,’’ Bustinera noted.
Further, Bustinera explained that PDLs with contagious diseases like tuberculosis and other ”symptomatic’’ inmates needing constant medical attention are placed in that area.
On July 15, Marcoleta was committed to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory at 10:49 a.m. with the guarantee that normal process to an arriving inmate will be pursued.
“It is not just in Payatas (QCJMD), our other jail facilities also handle similar demographics and possess the same capabilities,’’ Bustinera maintained.
Following Marcoleta’s detention on the same day, Sandiganbayan Justice Karl Miranda visited the facility to find out its capability to cater to the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in need of medical care.
Bustinera said that Miranda’s group conducted the inspection from 3:31 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. at the facility’s intake area, detention cells, the infirmary and other medical facilities, areas for skills development and education programs, the sunning area, classrooms and the E-Dalaw area.
“The BJMP welcomes such oversight activities by competent authorities as part of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and openness to the public and its stakeholders,’’ Bustinera noted.
As affirmed by BJMP Director Efren Nemeño, the bureau remains committed to maintaining safe, secure, and humane detention facilities in accordance with the law and established standards.
Nemeño asserted that there will absolutely be no special treatment for all persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) as the BJMP oversees the detention of several high-profile personalities facing graft and corruption charges under his watch.
Aside from Marcoleta, the QCJMD now serves as the detention facility of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former Senator Bong Revilla, ex-Rep. Mike Defensor and several DPWH officials tagged in the anomalous flood control projects.
With the public’s eye fixed on high-profile inmates, QCJMD warden Supt. Maria Lourdes Pacion maintained that under no circumstances VIP treatment is granted even to PDLs with high stature in the society.
Going further, Pacion asserted that lawful visits can be arranged even during unholy hours to prove popular inmates are quartered in the designated facilities with ordinary PDLs subject to legal and authorized pre-requisites.
“As per policy, need (to get) clearance from BJMP-NCR (National Capital Region) Director (Chief Supt. Baby Noel Montalvo). Submit kayo request kay RD (regional director) po namin (As per policy, there is a need to obtain clearance from BJMP-NCR Director. Just submit your request to RD),’’ Pacion explained.
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