of the 5 : i ■ . (
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 2543
24 FEB-7 P3 'A2
RliCEiVa
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DIGITAL PRISON RECORDS 
SYSTEM BY THE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS AND THE BUREAU OF JAIL 
MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The advancements in the information and communications technology (ICT) 
have helped in enhancing organizational performance. These made access to and 
transmission and dissemination of information to individuals more convenient and less 
expensive.
In many instances, many persons deprived of liberty (PDL) have been deprived 
of certain rights simply due to failure of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) or the 
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to properly manage their records 
and information. Examples of these include failure to forward communications 
efficiently, failure to inform them of their release dates, or if the PDLs are already 
qualified to claim for provisional release or good conduct time allowance.
A robust system of information management not only will help the government 
agencies in managing their respective facilities, but also provide information necessary 
to PDLs in availing of their rights.
Building digital platforms can pose serious challenges to the government. 
However, once all these have been addressed, it offers many advantages, such as


increase in accessibility, transparency and accountability, resulting to greater public 
trust, as well as the reduction not only in monetary but also in non-monetary costs, 
decreasing bureaucracy.
This proposed measure aims to take advantage of these technological 
advancements in the improvement of the management of correctional and detention 
facilities through the introduction of the Digital Prison Records System (System). This 
computerized system is designed to store, manage, and share information concerning 
PDLs, their cases, relevant court records, and other related matters. The BuCor and 
the BJMP shall undertake the digitalization and migration to the System of their paper- 
based documents and records concerning PDLs under their respective custody.
The digitalization of PDL records will absolutely help in the administration of 
justice. Courts, legal counsels of PDLs, and other parties involved will be able to 
efficiently access relevant records, enabling a more efficient way of handling pending 
cases and promoting transparency and accountability in detention and correctional 
facilities.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
Senator


of tijf £ : •;TI(iO'
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
2543
S. No
24 FEB-7 P3 '42
RtCEivcD BV;
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DIGITAL PRISON RECORDS 
SYSTEM BY THE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS AND THE BUREAU OF JAIL 
MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Digital Prison
2 
Record System Act."
3 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote
4 
efficiency, transparency, and accuracy in the administration of justice. By harnessing
5 
technology, the government aims to improve the management of information and
6 
records concerning persons deprived of liberty.
7 
SECTION 3. Establishment of the Digital Prison Records System. - The Bureau
8 
of Corrections (BuCor) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) shall
9 
establish a computerized system to be known as the "Digital Prison Records System"
10 
(System) designed to store, manage and share information related to persons
11 
deprived of liberty, their cases, relevant court records and other related matters.
12 
Pursuant to this, the BuCor and the BJMP shall undertake the digitalization and
13 
migration to the System of their paper-based documents and records concerning
14 
persons deprived of liberty under their respective custody.
15 
SECTION 4. Data Security and Privacy. - The System shali be kept secure and
16 
free from interference and unauthorized access and for this purpose it shall be


1 
equipped with security measures to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the
2 
stored information and data. Personal and sensitive information shall be processed
3 
and shared in compliance with existing data protection laws and regulations.
4 
SECTION 6. Training and Capacity Buiiding. - The BuCor and the BJMP shall
5 
conduct regular training programs to equip authorized personnel with the skills and
6 
knowledge required for the efficient utilization of the System.
7 
SECTION 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to cover the initial
8 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriation
9 
of the BuCor and the BJMP. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the
10 
implementation of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the
11 
year following its enactment.
12 
SECTION 8. Impiementing Ruies andReguiations. - The BuCor and the BJMP,
13 
in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology,
14 
National Privacy Commission and other relevant agencies, shall promulgate the
15 
necessary rules and regulations to properly and efficiently implement this Act within
16 
ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.
17 
SECTION 9. Separabiiity Ciause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act
18 
is declared unconstitutional or invalid, parts of provisions of this Act that are not
19 
affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.
20 
SECTION 10. Repeaiing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,
21 
issuances, rules and regulations, or parts thereof not consistent with the provisions of
22 
this Act are hereby repealed or modified and/or superseded as case may be by this
23 
Act accordingly.
24 
SECTION 11. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
25 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
26 
circulation, whichever comes earlier.
Approved,