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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVI

Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO,__ 5742

Introduced by: Rep. Christopher S. Co and Rep. Rodel M. Batocabe

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to establish a separate detention facility for the detention prisoners who are
involved in high-profile cases by reason of their relative position in the society, because their case is
imbued with public interest, or otherwise involved in national security, and safety of the general
public,

The objective of the proposed legislation is ta address the problems of the special treatment
in correctional facilities in favor of the rich and influential prisoners. However, it should also be
considered that some prisoners may have legitimate and genuine concerns about their health, safety,
and security. The facility that is sought to be established resolves both concems such that the
urgency of medical attendance may be addressed without having to resort to hospital arrests since
the detention center will be adequately equipped with medical and health facilities.

Persons who are charged and/or convicted of delinquent acts or crimes must be segregated
from society but there are also rights of an accused enshrined not only in the statutes but also in the
Constitution, It is the government's having a dominant role control and supervise prisons,
penitentiaries, jails, and detention centers, to promote public order and safety, and to provide
offenders opportunities for correction, rehabititation, and reformation. The government is therefore
duty-bound to provide a balance between the rights of society, on the one hand, and rights of the
accused, on the other.

In light of these circumstances, the swifl passage of this bill is earnestly sought

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Hon. CHRISTO! RS.CO Hk M. BATOCABE


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

S742
House Bill No,

Introduced by Rop. Christopher S. Co and Rep. Rodel M. Batocabe

AN ACT PROVISIND FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HIGH-PROFILE CRIME
DETENTION CENTER UNDER THE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS
THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

‘Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “High Profile Detention Center Act of 2012".
Section 2. Definition of Terms. -
(1) “High Profile Cases” shall include cases which have sttracted attention and publicity by

reason of the relative position of the parties in society, cases imbued with public interest, or

(3)detention prisoner are persons accused of non-bailable offenses and detained while

awaiting investigation or trial
Section 3.Establiakment of the High-Profile Crimes Detention Center. - There shail be
established and maintained a secured, clean, and adequately-equipped detention center for the
custody and safekeeping of detainees. The following shail be detained in the Center.

(1)An accused in non-bailable offenses except those accused under the Comprehensive

Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002;
(2) An incumbent or former public officials or appointees accused of non-bailable offenses ot
file case; or

(3) An accused in high-profile cases as defined in Section 2 of this Act.


See, 4. Facilities of the Center — The High-Profile Center shall operate with standard and
uniform design of Prison Facilities, Reformation Facilities, and Adminsitrative Facilities, throagh
ail the operating Prison and Penal farms such as the following:

(9) Visiting Area;

(10) Water Tank and Pump;

(11) Reception and Diagnostic Center,

(12) Service Personnel Facilities;

(13) Other facilities which may be required by the imnates' health.and security.

Section SSepervision of the Ceater, - The Buresn of Correction and the Department of Justice
shall exercise supervision and control over the Center, whose expenses shall be subsidized by the
National Government for not more than three (3) years afer the effectivity of this Act.

Section. 6.Orgamization aud Key Positions of the Ceuter.- The Center shall be headed by a
Chief Penal Superintendent with the rank of Superintendent. The organization shall adhere to the
organizational framework currently in place in other Penal and Prison Farms under the Bureau of
Comections,

Section 7-Appropriation. - The funds required for the implementation of this Act shall be taken
from the budget of the Bureau of Corrections for the current fiscal year.

necessary to implement the provisions of the Act.

Section 9, SeparabBity Clawse.- If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
‘unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions not
affected thereby,

Section 10. Effectivity.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in

the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circalation, whichever comes
cartier.

Approved: