The Bureau of Corrections has conveyed its full support for the proposed integration of Bucor and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
Bucor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. made the statement following the announcement by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla during BJMP’s 34th Anniversary Celebration in Quezon City.
Catapang stated that this initiative is in line with the 2023-2028 Philippine Medium Development Plan of the Marcos Administration to have a unified penological and correctional system, a significant move towards improving the efficiency of the country’s correctional system aimed at streamlining resources and effectively addressing the pressing issue of jail congestion.
“This merger of departments is not without precedent,“ Catapang said, as he pointed to international practices where correctional facilities operate under a unified administration, leading to enhanced oversight and resource management.
He also noted that the proposal is a move towards streamlining operations and policies across different correctional facilities and agencies that aims to enhance the administration of justice, making it more efficient and effective in handling offenders and promoting rehabilitation.
By consolidating these two vital organizations, the government will create a more cohesive framework for managing correctional facilities and demonstrates a commitment to reform, recognizing the need for a modernized corrections system that can better serve both inmates and society at large, Catapang said.
This effort not only seeks to optimize operations but also to improve the overall conditions within the penal system, ultimately promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism, Catapang added.
Under the plan, it also emphasizes the importance of good governance and the protection of human rights, which are crucial for a fair and just correctional system aligned with achieving economic and social transformation that includes creating a more inclusive and resilient society where all citizens have equal opportunities.
The PDP 2023-2028 recognizes the critical role of a well-functioning correctional system in achieving broader development goals. The establishment of a unified system is a key step in this direction, promoting efficiency, fairness, and human rights within the Philippine correctional landscape.
