The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is now preparing to accommodate up to 200 individuals in its regular detention facilities once formal charges are filed in connection with the multi-billion peso flood control scandal, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced on Monday, October 20.
In a press briefing, Remulla underscored that no one will be given special treatment, saying that justice and jail rules will apply equally, regardless of wealth or social status.
“The rules of the jail will apply to the rich and to the poor the same,” he said, adding that the first round of indictments related to the flood control anomalies may be filed within the next three weeks.
Remulla emphasized that the BJMP is preparing regular jail cells for the suspects, asserting that corruption of any scale must face the same consequences.
“If a thief of ₱100 at SM, if a thief and a shoplifter of lotion are jailed here, those who steal billions, in my opinion, should also be jailed here,” he declared.
Although the courts have the discretion to determine where the accused will be detained, Remulla pointed out that the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas is the most convenient BJMP facility due to its proximity to the Sandiganbayan, the country’s anti-graft court.
He assured that the said facility is well-equipped, featuring a bathroom, shower, toilet, purified drinking water, exercise area, and private quarters where detainees can consult with their lawyers.
Remulla further clarified that the custodial centers at Camp Crame and Bicutan will no longer be used to hold individuals implicated in the flood control controversy.
Echoing BJMP Director Ruel Rivera, Remulla said the bureau remains fully committed to carrying out its mandate as the government agency in charge of all jails nationwide.
He added that based on the Senate and Congressional hearings, the names of those allegedly involved have already been revealed.
“I think, they will be the first ones to be indicted,” Remulla remarked.
However, the DILG chief clarified that he has no personal knowledge of the Ombudsman’s ongoing actions.
“Based only on what I see and hear, the evidence shown at the Senate is heavy,” he said.