Lawmakers Demand Investigation into Bureau of Corrections Violations
Lawmakers have urgently filed a House resolution seeking a comprehensive investigation into alleged human rights violations by the Bureau of Corrections. The resolution addresses a range of reported abuses, highlighting the need for a congressional inquiry into Bureau of Corrections’ operations and treatment of detainees.
The four-word keyphrase “Bureau of Corrections” surfaces early as the probe centers on the agency’s conduct. According to local leaders, the resolution was introduced by representatives from the Makabayan bloc, including House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, alongside Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co and others. They called on the House committees on human rights and justice to examine what they described as a “pattern of abuse, denial of necessities, arbitrary restrictions, and violations of due process rights” within the New Bilibid Prison and the Correctional Institution for Women.
The resolution notably cites the permanent ban imposed on human rights advocate and Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim for alleged “arrogance” and “disruptive behavior.” Community members and lawmakers have called this ban retaliatory, aimed at silencing legitimate advocacy for political prisoners.
Allegations of Abuse, Neglect, and Suppression Raised
House Deputy Minority Leader Tinio emphasized that the Bureau of Corrections has repeatedly violated the basic human rights of persons deprived of liberty, particularly those detained for political reasons. “These abuses should not be ignored because they harm the dignity of people in prison,” he stated in a message shared by sources close to the issue.
He added, “This ban on Ms. Lim is clearly retaliatory in nature, targeting her legitimate humanitarian work and advocacy for the humane treatment of political prisoners. There is no reason to ban someone who helps the families of political prisoners.”
BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang expressed openness to any investigation into the agency’s operations following Lim’s calls for probes by the Department of Justice and Congress. “We are not hiding anything, and I can proudly say that Bucor is one of the most transparent agencies of this administration, and we value our commitment to accountability,” Catapang reportedly said. “We are ready to collaborate [on] transparency with oversight bodies.”
Wider Concerns Surround Bureau of Corrections’ Conduct
Beyond the ban on Lim, the resolution also highlights other pressing concerns. Lawmakers and community advocates pointed out instances of inadequate medical care for elderly and ailing detainees, degrading strip searches conducted on women visitors, and the denial of access to human rights monitors. These issues reflect broader systemic problems within the agency’s management and treatment protocols.
As budget deliberations for the Department of Justice approach—which oversees BuCor—local leaders stressed the urgency of this resolution. “We cannot in good conscience approve budgets for agencies that systematically violate human rights and target advocates who expose their abuses,” a representative of the Makabayan bloc remarked.
He added, “We need to ensure that government institutions respect human rights and comply with the law.” The resolution puts forward clear demands: hold accountable those responsible for abuses, protect the rights of persons deprived of liberty, and direct BuCor to align its operations with transparency, legality, and international human dignity standards, such as the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
These steps aim to cement reforms and foster respect for human dignity within correctional facilities.
For more news and updates on the Bureau of Corrections, visit Filipinokami.com.
