Senator-Elect Tulfo Advocates Medical Parole for Elderly Inmates
Outgoing ACT-CIS Party-list representative and incoming senator Erwin Tulfo has vowed to push for medical parole for inmates who are at least 70 years old and suffering from serious illnesses. During his visit to the Minimum Security Facility of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City last June 10, Tulfo told persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), “I will push for that. That’s a promise.”
Tulfo said institutionalizing medical parole for elderly inmates will be one of his key legislative priorities in the 20th Congress. “Elderly PDLs deserve a chance to return to society and enjoy what remains of their lives,” he emphasized, stressing the importance of compassion and reform.
Legislative Focus on Medical Parole and Correctional Reform
The senator-elect also expressed his commitment to assist inmates beyond medical parole. He assured them, “I will help you as much as I can as your senator—not just me, but also my brother, Senator Raffy Tulfo. You have a special place in our hearts.”
Moreover, Tulfo plans to introduce a correctional reform bill that aims to merge the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) into a single agency. This move seeks to ease jail overcrowding and improve the welfare of inmates.
“Since BJMP and BuCor are not that coordinated, the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) you earn under BJMP is sometimes not carried over to BuCor. That prolongs your stay. There should be a unified system so your records are continuous,” Tulfo explained.
Support for Unified Correctional System Gains Momentum
BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang has expressed full support for Tulfo’s proposals. He noted that such reforms could offer real solutions to the persistent issue of overcrowding in the country’s detention facilities.
By unifying the two agencies, the government can streamline processes and ensure fair treatment for inmates, particularly those who qualify for early release or parole.
This initiative is expected to help improve the lives of elderly and sick inmates, allowing them to spend their remaining years with dignity and closer to their families.
For more news and updates on correctional reforms and medical parole, visit Filipinokami.com.