The civic group People Surge has criticized the government’s plan to detain officials implicated in the recent flood control scandal in the newly constructed Quezon City Jail, as reported by RH Jecelle Ricafort.

According to the group, corrupt officials should be placed in existing, overcrowded prisons instead of a new facility, where they could potentially enjoy undue privileges.

The spokesperson of People Surge argued that the harsh conditions of older jails would better convey the consequences of corruption, rather than offering comfort or access to resources that could allow further misconduct.

"Gumawa pa sila ng kulungan, samantala 'yong mga matatagal nang nakakulong, siksikan para silang sardinas. Samantalang ito, gusto nila maging maalwang ang kanilang buhay hanggang sa loob ng kulungan. Mahiya naman sila sa taong bayan. Mahiya naman sila nagbabayad ng buwis," Doringo told reporters.

The group also highlighted that the issue extends beyond the billions allegedly stolen from the public coffers. It is also about accountability for the lives lost due to denied or inadequate public services.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure have previously inspected the new Quezon City Jail, which may house government officials with salary grades 27 and above.

Meanwhile, the Pasig City Jail has been prepared to accommodate officials with salary grades 26 and below, such as district engineers from the Public Works Department.

People Surge stressed that ensuring fairness in imprisonment is crucial, arguing that ordinary citizens often face stricter conditions even when their rights are legally protected, whereas affluent or influential detainees may enjoy relative comfort.

"Hindi tayo titigil saan mang mga kalsada, saan mang mga ahensiya kung kailangan natin sila araw-araw kalampagin, gagawin ng taong bayan hanggat wala tayong nakikitang nakakulong," Doringo stated, calling out the need for accountability among corrupt officials in the country.