The Philippines government is digitalising the management of the country’s prison system to tackle challenges and alleviate jail congestion.
It aims to implement technology for more efficient inmate management strategies, optimise resource allocation, and enhance the overall operational capacity of correctional facilities.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is facing heavy congestion with 337 out of 474 jail facilities congested, resulting in unhealthy living conditions for inmates.
BJMP along with the Philippines Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has developed an Inmate Management Information System, a nationwide comprehensive case monitoring and information system to enable comprehensive tracking of case progress across various agencies.
With such a system in place, BJMP said it can connect all of the Parole and Probation Administration’s regional offices, 224 field offices and the Central Office through a wide area network (WAN).
It also plans to enhance the justice system through improved transparency and collaboration across the board.
BJMP will implement digital tools such as advanced case monitoring systems and inmate management databases to enable authorities to streamline processes, follow up individual cases, and identify opportunities for timely interventions. This will facilitate a sustainable detention process with accurate data analysis and informed decision-making.
The government believes such initiatives with a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach will bring a transformative impact on its penal system, making it more efficient.
Recently in October, Philippines House representatives submitted a bill seeking to digitise prison records of the BJMP and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to streamline information and processes related to the country’s justice system.
The proposed bill sought to establish a Digital Prison Records System to store, manage and share information on persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), their cases, relevant court records and other related matters.
It aims to speed up the processes for the release of PDLs and help to reduce congestion in detention facilities.
