Manila: Senate President Vicente Sotto III has raised concerns over the severe overcrowding in the country's prison facilities, urging urgent reforms and sufficient funding to improve conditions for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). During the plenary deliberation on the Department of Justice's (DOJ) 2026 budget, Sotto cited Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) data that revealed a 293-percent congestion rate as of October 31.
According to Philippines News Agency, the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), which has a capacity of 5,678, is currently housing 21,996 PDLs, resulting in an occupancy rate of 387 percent. Sotto highlighted similar overcrowding issues in other facilities, such as the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW), Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan, and the Davao Prison and Penal Farm. He called for the Bureau of Corrections to clarify the number of new facilities needed and the funding required to alleviate congestion.
Budget sponsor Senator Sherwin Gatchalian acknowledged the severity of the crisis. He noted that better management had reduced congestion from 293 percent to 214 percent. However, he stated that BuCor would require approximately PHP55 billion to decongest jails through the construction of regional prison facilities. The proposed 2026 budget for BuCor is PHP10 billion, with PHP676 million allocated for buildings and structures.
Sotto stressed the importance of regionalizing prison facilities to distribute PDLs across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. He emphasized that inmate visitation is crucial for rehabilitation, as behavioral issues often arise when PDLs are too far from their families. The Senate leader also highlighted Republic Act 11928, the Separate Facility for Heinous Crimes Act, which he authored to isolate heinous crime convicts from the general PDL population.
Gatchalian reported an increase in the daily medical allowance of PDLs from PHP15 to PHP20, and stated that BuCor has confirmed that inmates are covered by PhilHealth. Sotto inquired about the possibility of PDLs accessing the Department of Health's Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP) or the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).
Sotto mentioned initiatives such as the exhibition of PDL artworks at EVIA Mall and Letran Calamba's year-long jail ministry. He encouraged BuCor to strengthen livelihood programs that enable PDLs to support their families legally and productively. Gatchalian stated that BuCor promotes such activities as the income directly benefits PDLs. He added that skills training and livelihood programs with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) prepare PDLs for employment or small business opportunities upon release.
BuCor also conducts readiness and orientation activities for Persons Restored of Liberty (PRLs). While reintegration is not part of BuCor's mandates, Gatchalian said reformation programs ensure that PDLs are physically and mentally prepared to reintegrate into society.
