MANILA — Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III raised concerns over severe overcrowding and welfare provisions for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) during the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) budget deliberation.

Sotto noted that the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, with a capacity of 5,678, is currently housing 21,996 PDLs, while the Correctional Institute for Women, designed for 1,280, is holding 2,940. He urged the development of regional prisons across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to ease congestion.

Responding to concerns about medical needs, Senate budget sponsor Sherwin Gatchalian said the daily medical allowance for PDLs has increased from ₱15 to ₱20, and all PDLs are covered under PhilHealth. Sotto also inquired about coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) for additional medical support through the MAIP or AICS programs.

On livelihood opportunities, Sotto highlighted initiatives such as PDL artwork exhibitions at EVIA Mall and Letran Calamba’s jail ministry. Gatchalian explained that BuCor encourages PDLs to earn from such programs and provides skills training in partnership with TESDA to prepare inmates for employment or entrepreneurship after release.

Regarding reintegration, Sotto emphasized that although BuCor’s mandate focuses on reformation, reintegration programs for Persons Restored of Liberty (PRLs) exist. Gatchalian added that BuCor conducts readiness and orientation activities to ensure that released individuals are physically and mentally prepared to reintegrate and become productive members of society.

The discussion reflects ongoing efforts to address systemic challenges in the country’s correctional facilities, balancing overcrowding, health, and rehabilitation for inmates.