Sotto pushes reforms amid prison overcrowding

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Friday pressed for sweeping reforms in the country’s corrections system as the Senate deliberated on the budget of the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), raising alarm over severe overcrowding, inadequate health provisions, limited livelihood opportunities, and the need for stronger reintegration programs for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

Citing BuCor data, Sotto reported that the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa, designed for only 5,678 inmates, currently houses 21,996 PDLs, or nearly four times its intended capacity.

The Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) faces a similar problem, accommodating 2,940 inmates despite a capacity of just 1,280.

In response, DOJ budget sponsor Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said plans are underway to decongest the facilities by establishing regional prison complexes.

“Pinaplano nilang regional prisons para hindi po lahat naka-concentrate ,” Gatchalian said.

(They are planning regional prisons so that not everything is concentrated in one place.)

Sotto welcomed the move and pushed for broader regionalization.

“Kaya natin gusto ’yan, alisin na rin natin ang Muntinlupa. Gawin nating regional o Luzon, Visayas at Mindanao,” he said, citing studies showing that the absence of regular family visitation often drives inmates toward gangs or misconduct.

(That's why we want that — let’s also remove the Muntinlupa facility. Let’s make it regional, or divided into Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.)

The Senate President also flagged the limited medical support for PDLs.

Gatchalian noted that the daily medical allowance has increased from P15 to P20, and that PDLs are covered by PhilHealth, according to BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.

Sotto asked whether PDLs could also access Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP) under the Department of Health or the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program to strengthen medical support for inmates.

Sotto highlighted successful livelihood efforts, such as PDL-created artwork showcased at EVIA Mall and Letran Calamba’s yearlong jail ministry. He urged BuCor to further develop income-generating programs so PDLs can support their families “kahit sila ay nakakulong at hindi nagtatraffic ng droga (even while they are incarcerated and not engaging in drug trafficking).”

Gatchalian said BuCor continues to encourage these initiatives and ensures that income goes directly to the PDLs. He added that BuCor offers TESDA-backed skills and livelihood training, enabling inmates to prepare for future employment or self-sustaining ventures once they are eligible for parole.

While reintegration is not formally part of BuCor’s mandate, Sotto underscored its importance in reducing recidivism. BuCor allocates funds for reintegration programs for Persons Restored of Liberty (PRLs), focusing on readiness before release.

Gatchalian explained that BuCor conducts orientation sessions and evaluates the physical, mental, and social preparedness of inmates. “May orientation program sila… may proseso kung handa na bumalik sa lipunan na maging produktibong mamamayan,” he said.

(They have an orientation program… there is a process to assess if they are ready to return to society as productive citizens.)

Sotto reiterated that meaningful reforms, including facility upgrades, health support, livelihood development, and reformation programs, are crucial to ensuring humane conditions and a more effective corrections system.