Correctional Administration
BuCor, BJMP, Prison Classification, Rehabilitation & Release Programs
Philippine Corrections System
Definition of Correction
The branch of the criminal justice system that deals with the custody, supervision, and rehabilitation of criminal offenders.
Goals of Corrections
Retribution
Punishment as justice for the crime
Deterrence
Discourage future crimes
Incapacitation
Remove offender from society
Rehabilitation
Reform and reintegrate offenders
Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)
Legal Basis
R.A. 10575 - Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013
Mandate: Safekeeping and rehabilitation of national prisoners (sentenced to more than 3 years imprisonment)
National Penitentiaries
| Institution | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| New Bilibid Prison (NBP) | Muntinlupa City | Male national prisoners |
| Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) | Mandaluyong City | Female national prisoners |
| Iwahig Prison & Penal Farm | Puerto Princesa, Palawan | Open colony (minimum security) |
| Davao Prison & Penal Farm (DPPF) | Panabo, Davao del Norte | Agricultural rehabilitation |
| San Ramon Prison & Penal Farm | Zamboanga City | Agricultural rehabilitation |
| Sablayan Prison & Penal Farm | Occidental Mindoro | Agricultural rehabilitation |
| Leyte Regional Prison | Abuyog, Leyte | Regional prisoners |
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)
Legal Basis
R.A. 6975 - DILG Act of 1990 (created BJMP)
R.A. 9263 - Bureau of Fire Protection and BJMP Professionalization Act
Mandate: Safekeeping of jail inmates (detention prisoners and those sentenced to 3 years or less)
Types of Inmates Under BJMP
- Detention prisoners (awaiting trial)
- Sentenced prisoners (3 years or less)
- Inmates awaiting transfer to BuCor
Types of Jails
- City Jail: Operated by city government
- Municipal Jail: Operated by municipality
- District Jail: Multi-municipal facility
BJMP vs BuCor
| Aspect | BJMP | BuCor |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence | 3 years or less, or detention | More than 3 years |
| Facility | Jails | Prisons/Penal farms |
| Supervision | DILG | DOJ |
| Personnel | Jail Officers | Corrections Officers |
Classification of Prisoners
By Sentence Length
Detention Prisoner
Awaiting trial or investigation; not yet convicted
City Prisoner
Sentenced to imprisonment of 1 day to 3 years
Provincial Prisoner
Sentenced to 6 months and 1 day to 3 years
National Prisoner
Sentenced to more than 3 years (insular prisoner)
By Security Classification
Maximum Security
Highest level of custody and supervision
- High escape risk
- Violent offenders
- Habitual criminals
- Those with death sentences (before suspension)
- Less than 1 year served of long sentences
Medium Security
Moderate level of supervision
- Inmates who have served minimum security requirements
- Less escape risk than maximum
- Good behavior record
Minimum Security
Lowest level of supervision
- Non-violent offenders
- First-time offenders
- Near end of sentence
- Excellent behavior record
- Eligible for work furlough programs
Rehabilitation Programs
Educational Programs
- Literacy classes
- High school equivalency (ALS)
- College programs
- Technical-vocational training
Livelihood Programs
- Agriculture and farming
- Handicrafts and manufacturing
- Food processing
- Garment making
Therapeutic Programs
- Therapeutic community (TC)
- Drug rehabilitation
- Psychological counseling
- Behavior modification
Religious/Moral Programs
- Religious services
- Values formation
- Spiritual counseling
- Chaplaincy services
GCTA (Good Conduct Time Allowance)
Credits earned for good behavior that reduce time served:
- Time allowance for study, teaching, and mentoring
- Special time allowance for loyalty
- Work credit for productive work
Note: R.A. 10592 expanded GCTA benefits but was later subject to review after controversies
Parole and Probation
Parole
Definition: Conditional release from prison after serving minimum sentence
Basis: Act No. 4103 (Indeterminate Sentence Law)
- Granted by Board of Pardons and Parole
- After serving minimum sentence
- Subject to conditions and supervision
- Can be revoked for violations
Eligibility: After serving minimum of indeterminate sentence
Probation
Definition: Suspension of sentence allowing offender to remain in community
Basis: P.D. 968 (Probation Law of 1976)
- Granted by the court
- As alternative to imprisonment
- Under supervision of probation officer
- Must meet conditions set by court
Eligibility: Sentence not exceeding 6 years imprisonment
Disqualifications for Probation
- Sentenced to more than 6 years imprisonment
- Convicted of crime against national security or public order
- Previously convicted and sentenced to imprisonment
- On probation or parole for another offense
- Already served maximum sentence
- Appealed the conviction (must accept judgment)
Other Release Mechanisms
Executive Clemency
Power of the President under Article VII of the Constitution:
- Pardon: Forgiveness of the offense (absolute or conditional)
- Commutation: Reduction of penalty
- Reprieve: Postponement of sentence execution
- Amnesty: General pardon for political offenses (with Congress concurrence)
Conditional Pardon
Pardon granted subject to certain conditions. If violated, pardonee may be re-arrested and re-committed to serve unexpired portion of sentence.
Parole vs Conditional Pardon
Parole:
Granted by Board of Pardons and Parole
Conditional Pardon:
Granted by the President
Key Terms
Recidivism - Return to criminal behavior after release; repeat offending
Habitual Delinquent - Person convicted of certain crimes for the 3rd time or more within 10 years
Indeterminate Sentence - Sentence with minimum and maximum terms (e.g., 6-12 years)
Commitment Order - Court order committing convicted person to prison
Carpeta - Prisoner's record file containing case information and behavior
Trusty (Trustee) - Prisoner given special privileges due to good behavior
Congratulations!
You've completed all 6 Criminology Board Exam Study Lessons!