Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Motes Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

8778

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
TO PROFESSIONALIZE THE PRACTICE OF PRISON MANAGEMENT AND
SET FOR THAT PURPOSE THE QUALIFICATION FOR SUPERINTENDENTS
OF THE NATIONAL PRISON SYSTEM AND OF WARDENS OF PROVINCIAL,
CITY OR MUNICIPAL JAILS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the Philippines, the incarceration rate is about 200 per 100,000
citizens. In 2018, studies have shown that out of 21 countries in Asia, the
country ranks sixth-highest in terms of prison population. There are 933
correctional facilities, and results from previous and continuous studies
claim facts about the incarceration system in the country. These facts are
severe overcrowding; having pre-trial detainees that serve an average of 9
months of being detained without being sentenced; increase in high death
tolls due to dirty living conditions and violence that results to around 5,200
deaths annually; the existence of vigilant killers; continuation of corruption
with many cases showing injustice in favor of the rich and powerful, and
claims that inmates could "live like kings" for a fee!.

As liberties are taken away from incarcerated individuals, additional
deprivation imposed by the system is the professionalized function of the
prison authority. It is essential that prison management needs to operate
with a proper ethical framework?. Henceforth, it is critical that the
authorities running the system are subjected to high standards to ensure
good quality management and humane treatment for the inmates.

To improve the conditions of prisons in the Philippines, it is vital that
professional correctional leaders must be in position to establish and
promote a humane system. Leadership is highly significant in any

' The Borgen Project. (2020, August 26). § Facts About the Philippines’ Incarceration System. Retrieved January 30, 2021, from
hups:/ /borgenproject.org/philippines-inearceration-eystem/
2 Coyle, A (2006), A Human Rights Approach to Pris

bttps://ww_prisonstudies.org/sites/default/Ses/

Management. Retrieved January 20, 2021, from
ources downloads handbook. 2nd_ed_eng 8 pdf



organization; may it be public or private. To invest in recruiting and
developing such leaders fit for the job is essential to achieve goals. Running
prisons is a serious job in managing a force that is outnumbered by the
inmates. To deal with internal and external environments requires
professionalism 3.

This bill seeks to set quality standards to prison authorities by
professionalizing the prison management practice. This is to ensure that the
officials in control of the system are capable and highly competent in terms
of fulfilling their responsibilities. In addition, along with the strict
requirements regarding qualifications for superintendents and wardens,
benefits and privileges are rewarded for their rank and positions. The quality
must be set higher, for the roles of each authority in our penal systems is
significant to the maintenance of the justice and safety of our State and to
ensure that persons deprived of liberty are still treated with dignity.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly

sought.

‘& Olitky, E. 2012, May 16). The importance of correctional leadership. Retrieved January 30, 2021, from

nagement/ articles /the-importance-of.correctional-leadership-Yk9xncMsoeOXVsPn/



Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Meteo Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

8778
House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
TO PROFESSIONALIZE THE PRACTICE OF PRISON MANAGEMENT AND
SET FOR THAT PURPOSE THE QUALIFICATION FOR SUPERINTENDENTS
OF THE NATIONAL PRISON SYSTEM AND OF WARDENS OF PROVINCIAL,
CITY OR MUNICIPAL JAILS

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the
“Professionalization of Prison Management Act”.

SECTION 2. Qualifications of Superintendents of Prisons in the
National Prison System. - All Superintendents of Prisons or Colonies
or Prison Farms of the National Prison System shall have the
following qualifications at the time of their appointment:

a) Holder of a Bachelor's Degree in Law, preferably a
member of the Philippine Bar; or a Bachelor's degree in
Public Administration. or its equivalent with at least
twelve (12) units in Psychology or Sociology:

b) Training and experience of at least five (5) years in
corrections and prison management; and

c) Of good moral character with a reputation in the
community for probity and fair-mindedness and who has
never been convicted of a criminal offense nor charged
administratively for an act involving moral turpitude.

SECTION 3. Qualifications of Wardens of Provincial, City or
Municipal Jails. - All wardens of Provincial, City or Municipal Jails
shall have the following qualifications:


a) Holder of a Bachelor's Degree in Law, Public
Administration, Psychology or its equivalent, with at least
twelve (12) units in Behavioral Sciences, Sociology or
Psychology;

b) Training and experience of at least three (3) years in
corrections and prison management; and

c) Of good moral character with a reputation in the
community for probity and fair-mindedness and who has
never been convicted of a criminal offense nor charged
administratively for an act involving moral turpitude.

SECTION 4. Jail Management and Corrections Administration
Training. - The Integrated National Police and/or the National
Police Academy shall conduct courses and seminars on Jail
Management and corrections administration for nominees and
incumbents of Prison Superintendent or Jail Warden positions.
Incumbent superintendents and wardens shall be required to pass
courses for jail management and corrections administration in order
to retain their positions.

SECTION 5. Equivalence of Position, Rank, Salary and
Privileges. - Superintendents of the National Prison System shall
enjoy the position, rank, salary and privileges of an Assistant
Bureau Director, provincial, city and municipal jail wardens shall
enjoy the position, rank, salary and privileges of a Division
Head of a Bureau: Provided, That said Superintendents or
Wardens shall have the qualifications herein set forth: Provided,
further, That incumbents shall have to first qualify for the
requirements of the position herein set forth before they can enjoy
the position. Rank, salary and privileges herein set forth: Provided,
finally that said incumbents shall continue to discharge the duties
of Superintendent or Warden until reassigned. Retired or separated
from office, or otherwise replaced by the appointing authority by a
qualified official.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. -If any part of this Act shall be
held to be unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions
hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full
force and effect.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any provision of law, decree, order,
rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect upon approval
and completion of its publication in at least two (2) national
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,