DILG sec proposes BJMP, BuCor integration

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has proposed the integration of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to streamline resources and address jail congestion.

The proposal is a work in progress and will be done in consultation with BJMP personnel.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. stated that BuCor fully supports the proposed integration.

Catapang noted that the initiative aligns with the 2023-2028 Philippine Medium-Term Development Plan (PMDP) of the Marcos Administration, which envisions a unified penological and correctional system.

He also cited international models where correctional facilities are managed under a unified administration, resulting in better oversight and improved resource management.

The country's jail congestion rate has dropped from 314 percent in 2024 to 296 percent this year.

The BJMP provided paralegal assistance to over 85,000 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

More than 10,700 PDLs completed basic education, while 107 earned college degrees through the College Education Behind Bars (CEBB) program.

At least 66,000 PDLs participated in livelihood programs, generating P116.7 million in gross income.