CHR supports BJMP’s call for higher PDL food, medical allowances

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed strong support for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s (BJMP) appeal for increased budget allocations to improve the daily food and medical allowances for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in the country’s jails.

As it stands, the budget for 2024 allocates only ₱70 per day for each PDL’s meals and ₱15 for medicine, amounts that have not changed since 2022, despite rising economic challenges. The BJMP has proposed increasing these amounts to ₱100 and ₱30 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,” the CHR said.

The CHR emphasized that the current allowances are insufficient to meet the basic needs of PDLs and fall short of international standards.

Citing the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which the Philippines is a State Party, the CHR pointed out that Articles 7 and 10 mandate that persons deprived of liberty should be treated with humanity and respect for their dignity, with correctional systems aimed at rehabilitation and social reintegration.

“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,” the CHR noted. “This responsibility entails providing sufficient funds for their basic food and medical needs.”

The CHR reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of PDLs, stressing that a humane approach to incarceration is vital for genuine rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.

The Commission also called on the government and relevant stakeholders to heed the BJMP’s request, ensuring that PDLs are treated in a manner consistent with their inherent human dignity.