BJMP probes PDLs' businesses in jails, says violators to be punished

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said Friday it is investigating reports that several persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were able to run unregulated businesses inside detention facilities.

In an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Friday, BJMP spokesperson Jayrex Bustinera acknowledged that such violations involving small-scale businesses have occurred, but described these as isolated cases.

"We recognize the fact na may mga nangyayari nga pong ganito… iniimbestigahan naman ho natin at paparusahan ang nagva-violate," Bustinera said.

(We recognize that these incidents do happen… we are investigating them and violators will be punished.)

Bustinera said part of the earnings may have come from informal transactions among inmates, including food sales and small loans, which are difficult to monitor.

He clarified that under existing policy, only authorized jail commissaries are allowed to operate, and PDLs are prohibited from holding large amounts of cash. Instead, a coupon-based system is used to limit unauthorized transactions.

'Millionaire' PDL

The BJMP's statements came after reports surfaced that an inmate in the Lapu-Lapu City Jail was able to accumulate significant earnings over the years by lending money, selling goods, and other entrepreneurial activities within the facility.

On Wednesday, Senator Raffy Tulfo asked BJMP officials about the unregulated business activities in jails, saying one PDL from Lapu-Lapu City was already a "millionaire" by the time his 14-year detention ended.

Tulfo said the individual sold electronic telephone cards, enabling customers to call anyone for as long as they want despite restrictions on PDLs' supervised communication.

Taking action

With regard to the commissary issue, Bustinera said the bureau has already taken action, including the recovery of some P93,000 in recorded commissary coupons.

The BJMP spokesperson also reiterated the bureau's prohibition on mobile phones and other gadgets inside jails.

"Ang policy po ng BJMP is no gadgets… walang VIP treatment," he said.

(The BJMP policy is no gadgets… no VIP treatment.)

He added that regular "greyhound operations," or surprise inspections, are conducted to confiscate contraband, including mobile phones smuggled into facilities.

e-Dalaw

To address communication needs of PDLs, the BJMP said it has expanded the use of monitored "e-dalaw" systems, allowing detainees to communicate with authorized family members through recorded video or audio calls.

Despite these measures, Bustinera cited limitations in digital infrastructure as one of the biggest challenges in fully preventing unauthorized activities.

"As suggested… it is high time for the BJMP to incorporate modern and digital communication monitoring systems," he said, noting that the bureau may seek additional funding to upgrade its capabilities.

He warned that jail officials found negligent in enforcing policies may face administrative charges, including possible suspension or dismissal from service.

Meanwhile, BJMP said it is prepared to take custody of high-profile detainees, including former lawmaker Zaldy Co, should courts order his detention upon return to the Philippines.

Bustinera emphasized that all detainees are treated equally regardless of status.

"Wala ho tayong kinikilingan… mahirap o mayaman ay pantay-pantay ho ang pagtrato namin," he said.

(We do not favor anyone… whether rich or poor, everyone is treated equally.)

The BJMP spokesperson said the bureau would continue reviewing and strengthening its policies to ensure security and prevent unauthorized economic activities inside detention facilities. — VDV, GMA News