MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is planning to build 16 regional jails by the end of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s term, DOJ spokesperson Undersecretary Mico Clavano said on Friday.
The DOJ is planning to vacate the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City to make way for a national government center.
“We take the President’s directive very seriously that is why within the administration’s time until 2028 we hope to build at least 16 regional jails and we’re hoping that the NBP —well, we hope to convert it into either a national government center or another government facility which can be utilized to its maximum potential,” Clavano said during a Palace briefing.
Clavano explained that the land where the NBP rests has a high value. It also occupies a large space.
The DOJ also is planning additional jail facilities in Quezon City. Clavano said that the DOJ and the Bureau of Corrections will request an additional budget in the General Appropriations Act.
“It will cost about two billion per facility, roughly,” said Clavano.
The DOJ and other agencies will determine other places where additional jail facilities are needed at the National Jail Decongestion Summit on December 6 and 7. (Jean Mangaluz © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
