BJMP to forge closer LGU tie-up in revenue generating ordinances

By Elsa S. Subong

Monday 13th of February 2012

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA6) – Through ordinances related to the programs and activities of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-6 (BJMP), the local government units can find sources of revenue.

“Besides generating revenue, the LGUs are also participating in making our jails secure and the community becoming more aware of their responsibility,” BJMP Chief Inspector Gilbert Peremne said, in a recent interview with the Philippine Information Agency.

Peremne, who serves as OIC Warden of Bacolod District Jail Male Dormitory, said the LGUs’ ordinances prohibiting deadly weapons can also apply to jails’ visitors who are apprehended for such, including contrabands.

“Those caught in jails should also be subjected to the related ordinances by paying fines or serving penalties,” Peremne said.

Another is the implementation of an ID System, for members of the family of Persons Deprived of Liberty (inmates), which can also be covered by a local ordinance where fees can first be paid before the BJMP issues one.

Moreover, the LGU can have an ordinance which provides for issuance of certificate of detention only by the BJMP, upon payment of a fee at the municipal or city hall.

Further, Peremne still bats for a BJMP Clearance, which is similar to a police clearance, required for employment and other transactions, that can only be issued upon payment of fees.

Peremne said the latter is already implemented by the City of Passi, Iloilo and in Buenavista, Guimaras.

He added that the clearance will include information on participation of PDLs in development projects, attendance in seminars, and good behaviour while inside the jails.

Peremne said further consultations and coordination with the LGUs are still undertaken to firm up the mechanics of what he considers as innovations in jail management, which will redound to reforms in the BJMP.

Recently, during the launching of the Bureau of Corrections ten-year Roadmap at the New Bilibid Prison, President Aquino said, “ang tanging layunin ng bilibid…ay ang tiyakin ang makabuluhang rehabilitasyon at pagbabagong buhay ng mga bilanggo upang sila ay maging handa sa kanilang pagbabalik bilan bahagi nga kalakhang lipunan.”

For his part, Peremne said the involvement of LGUs in the management of jails is crucial in the PDLs’ reformation. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)