Remulla

Remulla, Abalos appointments endorsed

September 14, 2022 PS Jun M. Sarmiento 299 views

TWO Cabinet secretaries of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had smooth-sailing in the deliberations of the two committees of the Commission on Appointment (CA) yesterday.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla was confirmed by CA’s Committee on Justice and the Judicial Bar Council.

Remullla’s appointment was recommended by the two committees for plenary confirmation through CA Majority Floor Leader Luis Raymond Villafuerte Jr.

In the CA deliberation, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito asked the DOJ chief on his plans to reform the New Bilibid Prison, which the senator said still suffers from the continuous proliferation of illegal drugs and illegal activities committed by syndicates inside the National Penitentiary.

“What are your plans Sec. Boying? We have here our senators and congressmen so when the budget season comes, probably we can support the plan of the DOJ secretary on how we will be able to correct and improve our Bureau of Corrections, the Bilibid in particular,” Ejercito said.

Remulla suggested that the government retire Bilibid in Muntinlupa City and instead build regional penitentiaries across the country.

To avoid an immense financial burden, Remulla suggested that a “lease and transfer” scheme between the local government units (LGUs) and the national government be established, wherein the LGUs will fund the construction of their regional prisons and the national government will lease the facilities for at least 30 years.

“Sana po ay maamyendahan ang Witness Protection Law kung saan pwede silang magsalita laban sa mga kabaro nilang law enforcers,” Remulla said.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Benhur Abalos also got the nod of the powerful CA and recommended to the plenary the approval of his appointment.

Villafuerte made the motion which was seconded by committee chairperson Senator Francis Chiz Escudero.

Abalos, a former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chief, said he will review and institute reform in various areas including human rights, anti-illegal drug operations and jail congestion.