Philippine political prisoners support group Kapatid condemned Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla for announcing this week that politicians implicated in government corruption may petition where they will be detained while under investigation. This statement followed Remulla’s public disclosure of the special detention facility described as comfortable and spacious at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, Quezon City for accused government officials.

According to the group, Remulla’s statement is not only illegal but also a huge insult to the Filipino people who have been demanding justice and accountability for months. “What kind of justice system allows those accused of stealing billions to choose where they will be detained?” Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim said.

Lim added that this is also a great insult to ordinary prisoners and political detainees in the country, especially the elderly and the sick. “They are left to rot in crowded, filthy, and inhumane conditions, deprived of their most basic rights,” she said.

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) guidelines stipulate that detainees must be held in the nearest available facility, subject to court orders. Kapatid stated that this ensures detention is based on the proximity of the facility, not the detainees’ convenience or personal choice.

The group declared that Remulla’s comment sends a dangerous signal. “That the powerful can buy comfort and leniency while the poor are stripped of their rights, dignity, and even the chance to survive imprisonment,” said Kapatid.

The group presented as an example the situation of political prisoners in the country and other detainees suffering from prolonged trials, denial of bail, and lack of medical attention. Under the Marcos regime, no fewer than twelve political prisoners have died due to government neglect and injustice. There are more than 700 political prisoners in the country.

“The law is not for the rich… petty thieves are thrown into overcrowded jails, so why should the accused masterminds of plunder be spared that same fate?” Lim said.

The group demanded equal treatment of those implicated in corruption and the theft of public funds. It insisted that “selective justice” must stop. Kapatid also urged the Filipino people to remain vigilant and demand a swift and transparent trial for all involved in corruption.