Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla inspected the newly constructed building of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)’s Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory along Payatas Road, to ensure the facility’s readiness for any possible indictments of individuals involved in the ongoing flood-control scandal.

“Gusto kong ipakita na handa ang BJMP, na handa ang mga facilities,” Remulla said, facing the media on Monday. “Hindi kami aatras sa mga obligasyon namin para gampanan ang katungkulan namin bilang in-charge sa lahat ng BJMP jails sa buong Pilipinas,” he added.

The newly-built structurehas 80 unoccupied dorms, ready to accommodate Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) as needed. To uphold the legal rights of PDLs, the jail includes dedicated quarters for lawyer-client consultations, with ongoing construction of ten new private cubicles to ensure privacy during legal discussions.

“Wala nang overcrowding. This will be the new standard para sa lahat ng BJMP jails. Kapag nakuha na namin ang budget namin, ito ang standard na susundin namin,” Remulla said.

Upholding the principle of equal treatment under the law, Remulla emphasized that no special treatment will be afforded to any PDLs regardless of status or position.

He also clarified that the DILG has no authority to decide where the accused will be detained. “The Court has jurisdiction kung saan pwedeng ikulong ang mga accused. Hindi po kami ang magsasabi kung saan sila ilalagay. Pero ayon sa batas, kung sa Sandiganbayan ang venue ay ito na ang pinakamalapit na BJMP facility.” DILG Philippines