The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) clarified on Sunday that while cameras and recording devices are generally prohibited in jails, exemptions can be granted by the courts.

The BJMP issued the clarification after a video of televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, recorded inside the Pasig City General Hospital, was criticized by the Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA).

SELDA, through the human rights group Karapatan, questioned why the court permitted Quiboloy to record a campaign video while in detention. The video was shown at PDP Laban’s proclamation rally on Tuesday, 11 February.

“We’d like to clarify that PDL (Person Deprived of Liberty) Quiboloy was transferred to a public hospital. He stayed at Pasig City General Hospital,” BJMP spokesperson Supt. Jayrex Bustinera told the DAILY TRIBUNE, emphasizing that the video was recorded at a hospital, not in Quiboloy’s detention facility.

“Yes, the BJMP prohibits unauthorized recording and the use of cameras in jails. However, the recording of a video message by PDL Quiboloy was granted by a court order. The BJMP is legally obliged to comply with this order,” Bustinera explained.

Quiboloy is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail on charges of human trafficking and child abuse.

His legal team, led by Atty. Israelito Torreon, defended the court’s decision, stressing that Quiboloy is presumed innocent and retains his civil and political rights under the Constitution.

Torreon also described SELDA’s statement as “another politically motivated and biased attack” against his client.

SELDA, however, maintained that Quiboloy appeared to be receiving VIP treatment.

“We in SELDA decry the double standard applied to detainees, with overly strict rules for poor detainees and political prisoners, while moneyed, powerful and influential people like Quiboloy receive special treatment,” the group said in a statement.

“It is highly questionable why Quiboloy, who is facing human trafficking and child abuse charges and is now back at the BJMP facility in Pasig City after his confinement at a private hospital, was allowed by the court to record his video,” SELDA vice chairperson Danilo dela Fuente said.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla could not be reached for comment.