Hontiveros seeks Senate probe on Bilibid deaths allegedly due to COVID-19

Senator Risa Hontiveros is seeking a Senate investigation on the deaths of New Bilibid Prison inmates who allegedly tested positive for COVID-19.

In filing Senate Resolution 473, the opposition senator pointed out that the previous Senate probes on corruption in the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) revealed "schemes" and "favors" that were given to rich inmates in exchange for bribes.

Hontiveros underscored that this fact, in addition to the lack of reliable information on the demise of these supposedly infected prisoners, as well as the "improbability" of the fatality rate, create misgivings on the regularity of the incidents.

"Even if no corruption is proven, it is important nonetheless to review the health and sanitary conditions in our penal institutions so that the abnormally high number of COVID-19 fatalities might be addressed," she said.

BuCor chief Gerald Bantag on Monday confirmed that 21 inmates have already died due to COVID-19 in the NBP, nine of whom were high-profile.

However, Bantag maintained that he cannot disclose their names pursuant to the Data Privacy Act, an argument countered by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senator Richard Gordon.

National Privacy Commission Chairman and Commissioner Raymund Liboro also said that the Data Privacy Act is not a cloak for denying the public's right to know.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto urged the BuCor to show proof of death such as photos and CCTV footage to the DOJ to settle the speculations going around.

BuCor showed a photo of the remains of kidnap-for-ransom convict Jaybee Sebastian to GMA News to address suspicions of foul play. The photos were supposedly taken before his body was cremated.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III has also filed a similar resolution seeking a Senate probe on the matter.

A preliminary investigation is now being conducted by the Senate blue ribbon and justice committees, according to Senator Richard Gordon, who
warned that BuCor officials could face administrative cases for "grave misconduct."

The National Bureau of Investigation has been ordered by the Department of Justice to look into the issue. --KBK, GMA News