Freedom and Death Inside the Jail.pdf - The Action Program for ...

Firewood: The Root Causes of Problems
Quezon City Jail, however, does not have the resources—space
and manpower—to operate an RDC. Upon commitment, inmates
are brought directly to their cells. Old timers take it upon themselves
to conduct the orientation to newcomers.
Again, due to lack of personnel, Quezon City Jail does not have
a Disciplinary and Mediation Board, which is necessary to resolve
inmate conflicts and to mete out the necessary punishments to rule
violators. The board defines the proper procedure for investigating,
prosecuting, and meting out penalties. But because the Jail
does not have such board, officers act as investigators, prosecutors,
and judges all at the same time. Also, the penalties they give are
sometimes beyond those prescribed by the BJMP Manual.
The absence of a classification and disciplinary board rules out
the possibility of Quezon City Jail having a merit system. As such,
the offenses of erring inmates are not properly recorded and do
not reflect in their applications for bail and probation. Inmates
who have been consistent in showing exemplary behavior are also
not recognized. There is no basis for recognizing inmates for their
good behavior. Inmates are able to secure certifications for good
moral and conduct not necessarily because they deserve it but
simply because they have already served time inside the Jail.
An inmate may opt either for an “agreement” or a “certification”
from the management upon his admission to the jail. An
“agreement” is done in writing whereby the inmate manifests
his intention to abide by the same rules imposed upon convicted
prisoners and that his full stay in the jail should he be convicted
will be accredited fully in his record. A “certification” is also done
in writing whereby an inmate manifests that he does not want to
be considered a convicted prisoner and as such will be required
to work. However, an inmate who is covered by “certification” can
have only 4/5 of the time of his stay in detention accredited.
The absence of
a classification
and disciplinary
board rules out the
possibility of Quezon
City Jail having a
merit system. As
such, the offenses
of erring inmates
are not properly
recorded and do
not reflect in their
applications for bail
and probation.
Inmate livelihood workers are
forced to scale down their
output because of lack of
facilities and raw materials.
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