Parole and Probation Administration says less funds don't hinder work

CEBU, Philippines - Thirty four years since former president Ferdinand Marcos created the Parole and Probation Administration on July 24, 1976, budget remains to be a major challenge the office is facing today, Region 7 Director Ofelia Quijano said yesterday.

Based on its 2009 records, the regional office of PPA only got a total budget of P41,451,604 from the Department of Justice, its mother agency. Of the amount, P36,719,259 went to “Regional Operations and Personnel Services” or the salary of its personnel while P4,732,345 was allocated for maintenance and other operating expenses and travel allowance. Nothing was allocated for capital outlay, which covers purchase of equipment and even vehicles, as well as for rehabilitation.

Despite this shortcoming, Quijano said they try to implement their programs and projects by tapping volunteers from the same community where the offenders belong. The good thing about Volunteer Probation Aide program, she said, is that PPA will have people from the community level that can directly monitor parolees and probationers in the transformation process.

PPA Assistant Regional Director Al Cainglet also said PPA strives to involve the community in the restorative process because “it takes a community to reform.” This process is being undertaken through the so-called therapeutic community, which focuses on behavior management and the emotional, psychological, intellectual, spiritual and vocational survival not just by the offender but that of the victim as well.

Cainglet is also urging the community to acknowledge restorative justice, a process that aims to repair the harm done by the offender with the cooperation of the victim and the community at large. 

It is the objective of PPA to reintegrate offenders to the community by making them self-reliant. Local government units are also providing the salary of administrative aides.

Last year, PPA investigated and submitted 1048 cases to court. Investigation for court disposition of probation investigation cases totaled 1589. The office has also recommended that the court resolve a case in favor of a juvenile in conflict with the law. — THE FREEMAN