A support group for political prisoners on Tuesday criticized Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla for his ‘insulting’ remark that personalities accused in the flood control anomalies could choose where they would be jailed.
Human rights group Kapatid slammed Remulla after he showed media on Monday the new Quezon City Jail, saying it could house suspects in the flood control scandal if charges are filed in the Sandiganbayan.
He described the newly built city jail as the ‘most convenient’ due to its proximity to the antigraft court and added that those indicted could ‘petition where they want to be detained.’
‘Insult to justice’
For Kapatid, the statement is ‘not only blatantly illegal but [also] a callous insult that trivializes the severity of corruption.’
The group cited Rule 113, Section 3 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Manual, which mandate that detainees be housed ‘subject to court orders.’
‘These provisions ensure detention is based on proximity, not convenience or personal choice-especially for those facing serious corruption charges,’ Kapatid stressed.
Double standard in detention
It added that such statements send a ‘dangerous signal’ that the wealthy and influential may buy comfort while the poor are denied rights and dignity during imprisonment.
‘What kind of justice system allows those accused of stealing billions to choose their place of detention while political prisoners-many elderly and ailing-are left to rot in congested, filthy, and inhumane conditions, denied even the most basic rights?’ Fides Lim, Kapatid spokesperson, said.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the fact-finding body investigating ghost or substandard public works projects, has recommended charges against 18 government officials, including former Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co, over alleged irregularities in a P289.5-million project in Oriental Mindoro.
The Ombudsman has yet to act on the recommendations or elevate the case to the Sandiganbayan. /mcm/abc