Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. reported a decrease in the congestion rate at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City by 22.4 percent, from 313 percent in 2022 to 243 percent in 2025.
This was stated in the midterm accomplishment report submitted by Catapang to Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla, noting that this was made possible through the construction of new facilities and the transfer of 11,601 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from NBP to other operating prisons and penal farms.
From June 2022 to June 2025, Bucor released a total of 23,629 PDLs, exceeding the first three years during the past administration by 41.35 percent and surpassing the accomplishments of previous administrations over their six-year terms.
This was achieved through efficiency in the Management Screening and Evaluation Committee (MSEC), the effective implementation of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA), and expanded access to parole and executive clemency, Catapang said.
However, Bucor still needs 32 more dormitories amounting to P14.6 billion to fully address the backlog, even if new dormitories are under construction to increase PDL capacity by 3,000 beds in Iwahig, Sablayan, Davao Prison and Penal Farms, and Leyte Regional Prison.
“We are very fortunate to be given P6 billion as per directive of the President for the construction of eight dormitories including the supermax facility in Sablayan,” Catapang added.
In order to transform towards a relevant, sustainable, and respected Bucor, Catapang said they are developing its land and water assets to drive economic growth and foster positive social impact by master planning the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farms into a mega economic zone to be replicated in Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro and San Ramon Prison and Penal Farms in Zamboanga.
Bucor, reflecting on security enhancements, has successfully confiscated 139,738 prohibited items, enhancing the safety of both officers and PDLs.
The bureau has strengthened its digital services, including E-Dalaw, E-Burol, and E-Hearing, ensuring that PDLs maintain connections with their families and have continued access to justice. Notably, 44,988 digital services have been logged, demonstrating Bucor's commitment to modernizing communication and services; and 5,505 kubols have been dismantled.
Aside from these, human resources have also seen significant investment: 4,004 new personnel have been hired, and 10,244 existing staff are undergoing specialized education and training to keep pace with modern correctional practices.
As part of a rigorous commitment to maintaining order and integrity, 157 personnel were either dismissed or suspended without pay due to misconduct, emphasizing Bucor’s zero-tolerance policy for unethical behavior.