The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Saturday, July 18, refuted claims that Senator Rodante Marcoleta and other high-profile detainees are being held in air-conditioned cells at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory (QCJMD).
BJMP spokesperson Supt. Jayrex Bustinera stressed that all persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in their custody receive equal treatment, with no special privileges granted regardless of an individual’s background or social status.
The statement was issued after critics raised concerns over whether Marcoleta and other prominent inmates were receiving luxury accommodations.
Dismissing the rumors as groundless, Bustinera clarified that the air-conditioned spaces mentioned are reserved exclusively for administrative duties and medical assessments.
“That’s the doctors’ consultation area, yung may aircon. Infirmary cell cellblock yung isolation cell,’’ Bustinera noted.
According to the official, Marcoleta is temporarily staying at the jail’s infirmary and will be relocated to the general population on July 22 once his mandatory one-week observation period concludes.
“General population siya (Marcoleta) after one week (July 22). Similar to the cells as inspected previously by the Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla’’ Bustinera noted.
Bustinera explained that the infirmary block is set aside for inmates with transmissible medical conditions, such as tuberculosis, or those needing constant health monitoring.
Marcoleta was booked into the QCJMD on July 15 at 10:49 a.m. following standard intake protocols.
“It is not just in Payatas (QCJMD), our other jail facilities also handle similar demographics and possess the same capabilities,’’ Bustinera maintained.
Following the admission, Sandiganbayan Justice Karl Miranda conducted an inspection of the detention center from 3:31 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. to evaluate its capacity to deliver healthcare.
The visit covered the reception area, cellblocks, infirmary, clinics, classrooms, livelihood centers, recreation yards, and the electronic visitation (E-Dalaw) hub.
“The BJMP welcomes such oversight activities by competent authorities as part of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and openness to the public and its stakeholders,’’ Bustinera noted.
BJMP Director Efren Nemeño reiterated the agency’s dedication to maintaining safe, secure, and humane detention centers that strictly comply with the law. He emphasized that no inmate would get preferential treatment, even as the facility holds multiple high-profile figures accused of graft and corruption.
Alongside Marcoleta, the QCJMD’s current detainees include Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor, and several officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways linked to alleged flood-control project anomalies.
QCJMD Warden Supt. Maria Lourdes Pacion similarly assured that prominent inmates are subject to the exact same rules as ordinary detainees without any special housing. She welcomed authorized visits to verify their living conditions, subject to standard protocols.
“As per policy, need (to get) clearance from BJMP-NCR (National Capital Region) Director (Chief Supt. Baby Noel Montalvo). Submit kayo request kay RD (regional director) po namin (As per policy, there is a need to obtain clearance from BJMP-NCR Director. Just submit your request to RD),’’ Pacion explained.