MANILA, Philippines鈥揝en. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has cried foul over reports that some moneyed prisoners are getting special treatment at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).
In a statement on the weekend, the senator called attention to her resolution directing the Senate committee on justice to investigate the 鈥渆xtravagant lifestyle of rich prisoners and the double standard applied in treating inmates鈥� at the NBP鈥檚 maximum security compound.
In Resolution No. 525, Santiago cited a news report that described the compound as a 鈥渉igh-end subdivision.鈥�
鈥淗ow can there be justice in our correctional system when we have a double standard between poor and rich inmates?鈥� she said in her statement.
鈥淭hese prisoners are supposed to be experiencing punishment for their crimes, not taking a vacation. They are making a mockery out of the justice system by turning our jails into their own private resorts.鈥�
Santiago filed a bill last October seeking to 鈥減revent luxurious conditions in prisons.鈥�
鈥淯nder the equal protection clause of the Constitution, all persons similarly situated should receive similar treatment,鈥� Santiago said. 鈥淚t does not matter whether you鈥檙e a Johnny caught picking pockets or a Johnny charged with plunder. All detainees and prisoners, whether common criminals or senators, should have the same accommodations.鈥�
Last week, two NBP doctors and the prison鈥檚 chief guard were dismissed for the special treatment supposedly given to convicted drug lord Ricardo Camata.鈥�Christian V. Esguerra