Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Carlos Trazo

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang said the agency is entering a new phase of reform, with record inmate releases, facility upgrades, and land development initiatives aligned with the Marcos administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” vision.Catapang reported that over 23,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have been released in the first three years of the current administration, surpassing the 21,000 released over six years under previous leadership.“First time nangyari sa BuCor. We’ve exceeded past administrations because of unified efforts to give GCTA,” Catapang said, referring to the Good Conduct Time Allowance program. “Instead of serving 20 years, some inmates only serve 10 because of good conduct. Kaya marami ang napapalaya.”He said BuCor has transferred around 12,000 inmates to penal farms in Iwahig, Mindoro, and Sablayan, helping ease congestion at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), which previously held over 30,000 inmates.“May mga PDL na nagsabi, ‘Bakit kami nagsisiksikan sa Munti, eh ang luwag pala dito.’ Relaxed sila sa atmosphere,” he added.BuCor plans to fully vacate its Muntinlupa facility by 2028 and repurpose the land for commercial development. The revenue generated will be used to fund new dormitories outside Metro Manila.Catapang also highlighted the agency’s digitization efforts, saying inmate records are now computerized, allowing for more efficient processing of parole and executive clemency.“Nung pagpasok ni Sec. Boying, walang record, magulo. Ngayon, alam na natin everyday kung sino dapat lumaya,” he said. “Laking tulong ang digitalization kasi kung walang record, walang basis to release.”BuCor’s budget has doubled from ₱5 billion to ₱10 billion in 2025, but Catapang said it remains insufficient. The agency is pursuing joint ventures and PEZA zone development on its land assets—including 367 hectares in Muntinlupa, 29,000 hectares in Palawan, and 218,000 hectares in Sablayan.“We have to find means and ways to generate more funds. Hindi puwedeng asa lahat sa gobyerno,” he said.Catapang said BuCor is working with the University of the Philippines on land swaps and development projects in Laguna and Palawan, and is partnering with private firms like San Miguel Corporation, which donated ₱50 million for PDL reintegration programs.He also revealed plans to push for legislation that would unify the country’s correctional system under the DOJ, allow medical parole for elderly inmates, and convert BuCor into a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) with its own land development authority.“Bagong BuCor sa Bagong Pilipinas. We will concentrate on making sure BuCor will be relevant, sustainable, and respected. Lahat ng kailangang gawin, we will make sure it will happen,” Catapang said.

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang said the agency is entering a new phase of reform, with record inmate releases, facility upgrades, and land development initiatives aligned with the Marcos administration’s vision.

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang said the agency is entering a new phase of reform, with record inmate releases, facility upgrades, and land development initiatives aligned with the Marcos administration’s vision.

Bureau of Corrections eyes major transformation under Marcos administration

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Bureau of Corrections eyes major transformation under Marcos administration

Carlos Trazo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Sep 04, 2025 10:18 PM PHT

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BuCor

Bureau of Corrections

Bagong Pilipinas

PDLs

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