BuCor tags Lim’s outburst as ‘sour-graping,’ asserts transparency

The statement of Fides Lim, spokesperson of Kapatid, calling on Congress to investigate the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) after she was barred from entering its facilities due to repeated violations of corrections protocol and unruly behavior, was dismissed by BuCor officials as sour-graping.

Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. welcomed any investigation into the agency’s operations and maintained that BuCor remains open and transparent.

“We are not hiding anything, and I can proudly say that BuCor is one of the most transparent agencies of this administration. We value our commitment to accountability and are ready to collaborate transparently with oversight bodies,” Catapang said.

The ban on Lim, he clarified, was not an attack on Kapatid’s mission or its right to assist individuals deprived of liberty, but a necessary step to preserve order and security inside correctional facilities.

“What we prohibited is an individual who refuses to follow established rules and regulations inside our corrections facilities—and not the organization, nor the bringing of food or donations for persons deprived of liberty,” Catapang said.

He stressed that Lim’s repeated misconduct posed a significant risk to the stability of prison facilities.

“When individuals repeatedly ignore security measures and challenge institutional authority, it creates an environment of disorder. This kind of behavior not only undermines the enforcement of rules but also heightens the chances of security breaches,” Catapang said.

He added that such actions could escalate into more serious disruptions, jeopardizing the safety of correctional staff, detainees, and visitors alike.

“These concerns resonate deeply within the correctional system, where maintaining order is crucial for effective management and rehabilitation,” he added.

Catapang emphasized that while non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in supporting inmates, striking a balance between advocacy and compliance with established protocols is essential to safeguard all parties.

“Adherence to rules is not merely an administrative formality but a critical component of fostering a safe environment for rehabilitation,” he said.