AKSYON Demokratiko vice presidential candidate Dr. Willie Ong on Friday urged the national government to pursue reforms in the country’s prison system, including the provision of health and rehabilitation needs to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL).

Citing data from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Ong deplored the “dismal state” of the country’s current penal system.

The 58-year-old vice presidential aspirant cited overcrowding, lack of personnel, and inadequate psychological, medical, and physical support as pressing concerns being faced by those behind bars.

“Kailangan alagaan natin ang bawat Pilipino. Nakakaawa ang sitwasyon nila sa loob. Bigyan natin sila ng kahit first-aid na gamot at maayos na pagkain. Tutukan din natin ang rehabilitation needs nila sa paglaya balang araw,” Ong explained.

As of December 2021, the BuCor has 48,501 individuals in its custody. Meanwhile, the BJMP has 117,229 detainees in their system, as of May 2021.

“Itong daang libong mga tao na ‘to natutulog sa masisikip na espasyo, at marami kulang sa gamutan at pagkain,” Ong said.

Ong also warned that if the government fails to adopt reforms in the prison system, family members of PDLs, as well as the poorest members of society, will be affected.

“Kasi iniisip natin agad na ‘masamang tao’ sila at dapat pahirapan. Pero kung hindi natin bibigyan ng konting kalinga at paglabas nila ay magiging kriminal muli sila. Malaki din epekto nito sa kanilang mga pamilya. Kaya dapat natin ayusin ang prison system,” Ong pointed out.

“Kadalasan din ‘yung mga nakukulong ay ‘yung mahihirap at hindi nakapag-aral kaya talagang dapat natin silang tulungan,” he added.

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