DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla inspected the newly completed Quezon City Jail–Male Dormitory (QCJMD) on Monday, stressing that the facility is ready to house detainees without special treatment and serve as a clear warning that corruption will not be tolerated.
The facility currently houses 3,674 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), reflecting a -17.31% congestion rate, and is staffed by 475 BJMP personnel, including six Jail Officer Ranks (JORs) and 469 Jail Non-Officer Ranks (JNORs).
‘More than ready’ to house high-profile detainees
In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla affirmed that the new jail facility will uphold fairness and equal treatment for all detainees regardless of their background and status.
"Walang special treatment. Kung big time contractor ka, kung senator ka, kung congressman ka, kung alalay ka, iisa lang titirhan n’yo,” Remulla emphasized.
Remulla noted that the QCJMD was commissioned during Speaker Belmonte’s tenure and recently completed Phase 3.
"Ang nagpagawa niyan ay si Speaker Belmonte noong speaker pa siya. Ngayon lang natapos ‘yong phase 3, bagong-bago ‘yong kulungan na ‘yan. More than ready na tanggapin kung sino man ma-i-indict kasi ito pinaka-malapit sa sandiganbayan eh."
He added that the old detention center in Krame is no longer suitable to take in new, especially for high-value arrestees due to the variations of convicted criminals in the center.
"Ang detention center sa krame hindi na pwede dahil may mga high value arrested na sindikato na Chinese na kidnapper."
The new QCJMD facility has a capacity of 800 but is currently estimated to use 21 to 22 rooms, with 10 persons per room.
Remulla further stressed the broader purpose of the QCJMD, saying that it serves as a symbol that the government is ready and serious in fulfilling their commitment to justice.
"Handa na kami. Hindi kami magbibigay ng pabor. Ang nagnakaw ng lotion na 100 pesos, nagnakaw ng 1 billion sa flood control [ay] iisa lang ang titirhan nila."
According to Remulla, jail personnel in the newly established facility will wear body cameras while on duty to strengthen security and avoid manipulation between detainees and jail guards.
"Mas hihigpitan pa namin [ang security] kasi ‘yong lahat ng jail guard namin lalagyan na namin ng on duty na body cam na hindi pwede ipatay habang naka-duty sila."
“Walang communication, hindi sila pwedeng mag-usap, hindi pwedeng humingi ng pabor, hindi pwedeng mang-abuso ng jail guard,” Remulla added.
The QCJMP facility is managed by a female warden. Meadnwhile detainees on trial remain under BJMP jurisdiction, but those convicted with sentences longer than seven years will be transferred to Muntinlupa City Jail.
Visitors at the QCJMP may stay between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., with four hours of visitation. Mondays and Fridays are restricted.
Remulla emphasized that detainees do not have access to television, but landlines and conference rooms are available for meetings with lawyers, while phones are not allowed.
Remulla also highlighted the right to a speedy trial as mentioned to him by his brother, Ombudsman Boying Remulla.
"Magkakaroon ng right to a speedy trial, so the minute ma-indict bibigyan sila ng 10 hearing dates. Wala raw motion for continuance (delaying tactics) tapos promulgation na ng kaso,” DILG Sec. Remulla said.
