Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS:
First Regular Session

5
House bin No. 1459

Introduced by Gabriela Women’s Party
Representatives LUZVIMINDA C. ILAGAN and EMERENCIANA A. DE JESUS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 63 of RA 6975 (otherwise known as An Act Establishing the Philippine National Police
Under a Reorganized Department of the Interior and Local Government, And for Other Purposes) states
that, "There shall be established and maintained in every district, city and municipality, a secured,
clean, adequately equipped and sanitary jail for the custody and safekeeping of city and municipal
prisoners, x x x."

This law, however, does not provide for separate cells of jails for female prisoners even as
national and international human rights organizations and media have reported rape and sexual
harassment of female prisoners by male prisoners.

A case in point is that of an 18-year old female student in Bacolod City who, while detained at
the Bacolod City Jail, was raped by male prisoners. She was detained for non-payment of the use of a
computer in Eukarmille Internet and Gaming Cafe.

It is in this context that this bill is being forwarded. This bill seeks to provide for secured, clean,
safe, sanitary and separate cells for female prisoners in every district, city and municipal jails all over
the country.

This bill will be a safeguard against possible crimes or abuses that may be committed on
women in jails. Assuring the safety of female detainees is imperative.

Immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

Siaarndes Cd ingle
LUZVIMIINDA C. LAGAN EMERENCIANA &. DE JESUS

Gabriela Women’s Party List Gabriela Women's Party List



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1459

House hi No.

Introduced by Gabriela Women's Party
Representatives LUZVIMINDA C. ILAGAN and EMERENCIANA A. DE JESUS

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A SECURED AND SEPARATE PRISON CELL FOR FEMALE PRISONERS
IN EVERY DISTRICT, CITY AND MUNICIPAL JAIL,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 63 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6975

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Section 63 of Republic Act No. 6975 is hereby amended to read as follows:

Sec. 63, Establishment of District, City or Municipal Jail. There shall be established
and maintained in every district, city and municipality secured, clean, adequately
equipped and sanitary SEPARATE prison cells for MALE AND FEMALE for the custody
and safekeeping of city and municipal prisoners, any fugitive from justice, or person
detained awaiting investigation or trial and/or transfer to the national penitentiary,
and/or violent mentally ill person who endangers himself or the safety of others,
duly certified as such by the proper medical or health officer, pending the transfer to
a mental institution. X XX."

SECTION 2. Separal
not affect the val

ity Clause. - If any portion of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the same shall
ity and effectivity of the other portions thereof.

SECTION 3. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, presidential proclamations, rules
and regulations or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 4, Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,