The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has dismissed calls for a congressional investigation by Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim, characterizing her statement as “sour-graping” after she was barred from entering BuCor facilities.

In a statement, the agency cited her “repeated violations of corrections protocol and unruly behavior” as the reason for the prohibition.

BuCor director general Gregorio Catapang Jr. said the agency welcomes any investigation into its operations and maintains a stance of transparency.

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

Catapang clarified that the prohibition against Lim was not an attack on Kapatid’s mission or its right to aid individuals, but rather a necessary measure to maintain order and security within corrections facilities.

“What we prohibited is an individual who refuses to follow established rules and regulations inside our corrections facilities and not the organization, not the bringing of food or donations for persons deprived of liberty,” Catapang said.

He added that Lim’s “habitual misconduct poses a significant risk to the stability of correctional facilities.”

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

Catapang warned that such behavior “could escalate into more serious disruptions, jeopardizing the safety of correctional staff, detainees and visitors alike.”