1. History & Philosophy of Corrections
Ang Penology ay ang pag-aaral ng punishment for crime at management of prisons. Pero sa modernong panahon, hindi lang "parusa" ang focus kundi Correction—ang rehabilitation at reformation ng isang offender para maging productive citizen muli.
Retribution
"Eye for an eye." Parusa dahil sa ginawang mali.
Rehabilitation
Focus sa pagbabago ng ugali at skills ng PDL.
💡 Beshy Law Alert!
Beshy, tandaan: Ang RA 10575 ay para sa BuCor Modernization (National Prisons), habang ang RA 6975 ang nag-create sa BJMP (Local Jails). Wag pagbaligtarin sa exam, baka maiyak ka!
2. The Philippine Tri-Bureau of Corrections
Nahahati sa tatlong main branches ang ating correctional system depende sa sintensya at jurisdiction:
| Agency | Supervision | Type of PDL |
|---|---|---|
| BuCor | DOJ | Sentenced to 3 years and 1 day UP |
| BJMP | DILG | Sentenced to 3 years DOWN / Detainees |
| Provincial Jails | LGU (Governor) | Sentenced to 6 months to 3 years |
3. Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)
Mandated by RA 10575. Sila ang may hawak sa "National Penitentiaries". Ang main office ay nasa New Bilibid Prison (NBP) sa Muntinlupa.
Major Facilities (7 Penal Colonies):
- NBP: Muntinlupa (Main)
- CIW: Mandaluyong (For Women)
- Iwahig: Palawan (Prison without walls)
- San Ramon: Zamboanga (Oldest)
- Sablayan: Occidental Mindoro
- Leyte: Abuyog, Leyte
- Davao: Panabo, Davao del Norte
Safekeeping vs Reformation
Under RA 10575, kailangang balanse ang seguriddad at ang pagbabago ng PDL.
4. Bureau of Jail Management & Penology
Created by RA 6975 (DILG Act of 1990). Sila ang "guardians" ng mga City, Municipal, at District Jails. Kadalasan ay mga detainees (waiting for trial) ang nandito.
Core Mandate:
"Enhanced custody and rehabilitation of PDLs." Tandaan: Ang BJMP ay civilian in character pero uniformed personnel pa rin.
👗 Beshy Fashion Tip!
Sa BuCor, ang kulay ng uniform ay nakadepende sa security level. Huwag malito: Tangerine (Max), Blue (Medium), Brown (Minimum). Color coding is life, beshy!
5. Security Levels of Prisoners
Maximum Security (Tangerine)
- • Sentence of 20 years or more
- • Recidivists, Habitual Delinquents
- • Those with pending high-profile cases
- • Escape risks or incorrigibles
Medium Security (Blue)
- • Sentence of less than 20 years
- • First-time offenders with moderate risk
- • Generally "cooperative" but still need supervision
Minimum Security (Brown)
- • Only 6 months to 1 year remaining in sentence
- • Physically handicapped or elderly (65+ y/o)
- • High degree of trust; can work outside walls (colonists)
6. Classification by Legal Status
1. Detainee
Wala pang final judgment. Nakakulong habang ongoing ang trial o waiting for sentence.
2. Sentenced (Convicted)
May final judgment na mula sa korte. Nagseserve na ng time sa prison o jail.
7. Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC)
Dito nagsisimula ang buhay sa prison. Ang PDL ay isasailalim sa Quarantine (usually 60 days) para sa medical at psychological assessment.
🤝 Beshy Human Rights!
Beshy, "Person Deprived of Liberty" (PDL) na ang tawag, hindi "Inmate" o "Prisoner" lang. Respect the dignity, ika nga sa Mandela Rules. Wag nating kalimutan na tao rin sila!
8. Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA)
"The more you behave, the earlier you leave."
| Years Imprisoned | Deduction (per month) |
|---|---|
| 1st to 2nd Year | 20 Days |
| 3rd to 5th Year | 23 Days |
| 6th to 10th Year | 25 Days |
| 11th Year onwards | 30 Days |
*Note: RA 10592 explicitly excludes heinous crime convicts, recidivists, and habitual delinquents from GCTA benefits (as per IRR 2019).
9. Probation (Non-Institutional)
Ang PD 968 ay nagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa offender na ma-release under supervision imbes na makulong. It is a privilege, not a right.
Disqualifications (Bawal mag-Probation):
- ❌ Sentence > 6 years
- ❌ Convicted of Subversion/Treason
- ❌ Previously probated for same category
- ❌ Once served sentence > 6 months
- ❌ Those who appealed the conviction
🚫 Beshy Probation Warning!
Beshy, pinaka-importanteng rule: Kapag nag-Appeal ka ng conviction mo, automatic na WALANG PROBATION. Pinapili ka: hustisya o laya? Choose wisely!
10. Parole & Executive Clemency
Parole
Conditional release ng isang prisoner matapos ma-serve ang minimum period ng sentence. Supervision is by the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP).
Pardon (Executive Clemency)
Kapangyarihan ng Presidente. Pwedeng Absolute (walang conditions) o Conditional (may conditions pa rin).
11. Rehabilitation & Treatment Modalities
TCMP (Therapeutic Community Modality Program)
Ito ang main framework ng BJMP. Ang focus ay "Community as a healer." PDLs help each other change their behavior through structured activities and hierarchy.
12. Rights of PDLs (The Mandela Rules)
Ang UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules) ang global standard:
- Human Dignity: No torture or cruel treatment.
- Basic Needs: Sapat na pagkain, tubig, hangin, at space.
- Health: Access sa medical services na kapantay ng nasa labas.
- Discipline: Prohibition on indefinite solitary confinement (limit is 15 days).
- Religion: Karapatang mag-practice ng sariling relihiyon.
🔢 Beshy GCTA Hack!
Para madaling masaulo ang GCTA days per month: 20, 23, 25, 30. Tandaan ang steps: 2 years, then 5 years, then 10 years, then beyond. Step-by-step lang, beshy!
13. Challenges in PH Corrections
Congestion
Minsan ay umaabot ng 500% over-capacity ang mga jails natin. Siksikan to the max!
Personnel Ratio
Kulang ang mga Jail Officers para sa dami ng PDLs. Ideally 1:7 for custody.
Contraband
Pagpasok ng drugs, cellphones, at armas sa loob ng prison walls.
14. Comparison: Probation vs Parole
| Feature | Probation | Parole |
|---|---|---|
| When Granted? | After conviction, before serving time. | After serving minimum sentence. |
| Granted by? | Trial Court | Board of Pardons & Parole |
| Who Supervises? | Probation Officer (PPA) | Parole Officer (PPA) |