DOJ asks DBM for PhP30-M fund for NBP renovation

Department of Justice. Photo courtesy of doj.gov.ph

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking funds for the renovation of Building 14 inside the Maximum Security Compound at the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City where all the high-risk inmates will be placed.

Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima said on Wednesday she requested the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for PhP30 million to complete the renovation of the now isolated building in the NBP.

Building 14 is currently vacant after renovation has been stopped more than six months ago for lack of funds.

After completion, it will become a small-capacity jail structure that can accommodate 50 to 100 inmates.

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Chief Franklin Bucayu said the segregation is important because it will cut ties with guards, thus preventing the entry of prohibited items inside the prison facility.

“I called up [Budget] Secretary [Florencio] Butch Abad to follow up the funds for the renovation of Building 14 where drug inmates will be placed so they can be guarded closely,” De Lima said in an ambush interview.

The high-profile inmates were plucked out from the NBP after the raid last Monday and are now at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) detention facility.

However, De Lima said that their detention at the NBI is only temporary until after the renovation of Building 14.