Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday led the media on a tour of the Quezon City Jail facility in Payatas, saying it is being prepared to house individuals who may soon face imprisonment over alleged anomalous flood control projects.
“We assumed that the first round of indictment will come in three weeks,” Remulla told reporters during the press conference after the inspection, emphasizing that the DILG is preparing detention facilities for those who may be convicted by the court.
“(Of course), the court will decide kung saan sila ikukulong (where they should be committed). Mabibigat na ang mga ebidensiya sa mga hearing nating napanood (Senate, Congress),” he said.
Remulla noted that the Quezon City Jail is the most viable option due to its proximity to the Sandiganbayan, which would likely handle cases involving public officials accused of plunder and other major corruption offenses.
“Ito (QC Jail) ang nakikita naming mas viable. Not in (Camp) Crame (detention facility). Ito ang pinakamalapit at convenient sa Sandiganbayan,” Remulla pointed out, adding that the facility is intended for those who “steal either small or big amounts of money.”
He said the jail has a cell that can accommodate up to ten Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), complete with one bathroom, a toilet, and running water. It also includes an exercise area and cubicles for legal consultations with lawyers.
Remulla further emphasized that jail rules will be strictly enforced, banning communication gadgets except for landline phones. Detainees will be allowed visits five times a week, with Mondays and Fridays as no-visitation days.
The Quezon City Jail in Payatas is operated by personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), an attached agency of the DILG.