The government is prepared to detain up to 200 individuals in regular jail facilities should charges be filed in connection with the multi-billion peso flood control scandal, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said on Monday, Oct. 20.
In a press briefing, Remulla emphasized that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is ready to accommodate those who may be indicted, regardless of social status.
“The rules of the jail will apply to the rich and to the poor the same,” he said.
“We are preparing regular jail cells. If a thief of P100 at SM, if a thief and a shoplifter of lotion are jailed here, those who steal billions, in my opinion, should also be jailed here,” Remulla asserted.
He said the first round of indictments could be filed within three weeks, citing Senate and Congressional hearings that have already revealed several names.
“I think they will be the first ones to be indicted,” he noted, while clarifying that he has “no personal knowledge of what the Ombudsman is doing,” and is basing his statements on publicly available evidence. “What I see and hear from the Senate is heavy.”
The DILG chief added that the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas is the most suitable BJMP facility for those who may be charged, given its proximity to the Sandiganbayan.
The jail is equipped with basic amenities including a bathroom, shower, toilet, purified drinking water, an exercise area, and private quarters for legal consultations.
Remulla also confirmed that custodial facilities at Camp Crame and Bicutan will no longer be available for suspects in the flood control case. Malacañang echoed Remulla’s assurance, with Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro saying the government is ready to accommodate the estimated number of detainees.
“Kung ganiyan sa tingin niya, nai-estimate niya, ready naman po ang gobyerno kung sila ay dapat makulong,” Castro said.
She added that some cases may be bailable, depending on the charges filed.
“Tingnan po natin kasi hindi pa naman po tapos iyong imbestigasyon,” she said.
The Palace also reiterated that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is committed to filing cases promptly once sufficient evidence is gathered. (Chito Chavez, Betheena Unite)
