The Department of the Interior and Local Government has prepared the New Quezon City Jail to receive hundreds of individuals expected to be indicted in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed on Monday.
Remulla said at least 80 dormitories have been set up for the expected detainees, with the facility capable of housing up to 800 people. He added that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is anticipating more than 200 indictments from the Sandiganbayan in about three weeks.
“This is a place where they will be detained during the hearings. Kung ma-convict sila, sa maximum security sila malalagay. But we’re showing we’re ready. Handa na ang BJMP para gampanan ang katungkulan namin,” Remulla told reporters during an inspection.
Each cell contains five bunk beds, a toilet, shower, and sink, while male and female detainees will be kept in separate areas. The new facility, located near the Sandiganbayan, also features a chapel, basketball court, sunning area, receiving area, and a medical infirmary for health-related needs.
“Papakita namin sa Sandiganbayan na handa ang BJMP kung ano man ang eventuality o ano man ang sakit nila,” Remulla said.
To ensure security, around 700 personnel will man the facility, all equipped with body cameras. Remulla emphasized that there will be no special treatment for any detainee, stating there will be “no air conditioners and no personal communication devices.”
Asked whether high-profile personalities are among those expected to be detained, Remulla responded, “We’re expecting whales. Mga balyena na mga kukunin natin dito, hindi mga gourami.”
He added, “Ang nakikita kong mai-indict diyan ay mga DE, congressman, senator, cong-tractor — ‘yong congressman na contractor. Kailangan kasi pakita natin sa tao na patas ang batas eh. ‘Yong nagnanakaw ng P100 na lotion sa SM, dito kinukulong. Eh, dapat ‘yong nagnanakaw ng daan-daang milyon at bilyon, dito na rin sila kinukulong.”
