INCOMING Senator Erwin Tulfo emphasized that he will prioritize the passage of a proposed bill that will provide liberty to sick and elderly Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).
This was Tulfo’s declaration in his visit to the Minimum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, where he also pledged support to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) through reforms in the country’s correctional system.
Tulfo also assured BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. that he will file a proposed legislation that will seek to consolidate the country’s penology and correctional system, currently being managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the BuCor.
He added that he will seek a bigger budget for the needed development of facilities, reinforcing the training of personnel, and provide assistance to PDLs.
According to Catapang, it is vital that these plans and pledge of support are important in uplifting the lives of PDLs that are currently facing various challenges such as overcrowding, lack of resources for their needs, and old and dilapidated structures and facilities.