The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Friday refuted allegations that nine former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials detained over the flood control scandal were receiving preferential treatment.
BJMP spokesperson Jail Supt. Jayrex Bustinera said all persons deprived of liberty—regardless of rank or public profile—are subject to the same rules and conditions. Seven of the DPWH–Mimaropa officials are currently held at the new Quezon City Jail in Payatas, while two others are detained at Camp Caringal.
“Zero tolerance ang policy ng BJMP sa VIP treatment… Makikita po natin itong former officials [ng DPWH] ay inihalo sa 3,600 na nakakulong na bilanggo sa Quezon City Jail,” Bustinera said, noting their cell layout and daily routines mirror those of other inmates.
He dismissed claims that additional personnel assigned to the group amounted to VIP treatment, explaining that the heightened security was due to the nature of the accusations and intended to ensure their safety.
Bustinera said their cells were placed near duty stations for close monitoring. Their movement is strictly regulated, and other inmates are barred from approaching them. Similar security measures were adopted during recent court proceedings, including reinforced convoys and added escorts.
Visits are restricted to lawyers, doctors, spiritual advisers, or immediate family members with prior approval, he said. Phones and electronic devices remain prohibited except during supervised online hearings.
The BJMP added that the Quezon City facility can still accommodate more high-profile detainees, with capacity for over a thousand additional inmates.
On Thursday, eight of the accused entered not guilty pleas before the Sandiganbayan in the graft case, while arraignment for a separate malversation charge is scheduled for December 2.
Meanwhile, seven other suspects—including former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co and executives of Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation—remain at large in connection with the allegedly anomalous Oriental Mindoro dike project.