The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) supports the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s (BJMP) appeal for increased budget allocations for the food and medical allowances of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

For 2024, only P70 is allocated per PDL for daily meals, while the budget for medicine is capped at P15 per person. These amounts have remained unchanged since 2022, despite the ongoing economic challenges. The BJMP has proposed increasing these amounts to P100 and P30 per PDL, respectively.

The CHR respectfully urges our legislators to consider BJMP’s appeal. After all, the Commission believes we share the same goal: to ensure humane conditions and adequate resources for the reformation of our PDLs, as well as to treat them with dignity and respect.

Articles 7 and 10 (Part III) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) clearly state that persons deprived of liberty should be treated with humanity and with respect for the dignity of an individual. Article 10 also mandates that correctional systems should be designed to rehabilitate and assist with the social reintegration of inmates. [1]

As a State Party to the ICCPR, the Commission emphasizes that the State has an obligation to adhere to these international standards and fully respect the rights of all individuals, including PDLs. This responsibility entails providing sufficient funds for their basic food and medical needs.

The CHR remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of PDLs, believing that a humane approach to incarceration is crucial to genuine rehabilitation and social reintegration.

The Commission also urges the government and all relevant stakeholders to heed this call for increased support to ensure that PDLs are treated in a manner consistent with their inherent human dignity.

[1] https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-covenant-civil-and-political-rights