Talisay measure seeks to ban cellphone use in jail

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Council Committee on Laws is reviewing a measure that will prohibit the carrying and using of cellular phones and other electronic devices inside the city jail.

The proposed ordinance has to pass both second and third readings and be signed into law by the mayor before it takes effect.

The measure, filed by Councilor Danilo Caballero, seeks to fine not only the visiting inmates but also jail personnel and staff who will sneak, carry or use the cellular phones or any electronic devices, particularly inside detention cells.

According to Caballero, it was the city jail warden who requested him to propose a law that would penalize visitors, including jail personnel, who are caught with cellular phones while inside the jail facility.

"It has been part of the BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology) inmate's orientation that keeping possession of money, jewelry, cigarettes, cellular phones or other communication devices is considered grave offense," Caballero said.

Penalties will include confiscation of electronic device from the possession of inmates and a fine of P5,000.

Visitors found sneaking, carrying or using contrabands inside the city jail, despite the imposition of pat searching and other security standards, shall be denied entry for a certain period of time.

In the penalty clause, any jail personnel or staff found guilty of committing the prohibited acts, shall be deprived of receiving the allowance from the city government and pay a fine of P2,000 for the first offense.

For the second offense, a penalty of P5,000 shall be enforced. Additionally, the violator will no longer be entitled of any allowance that the local government may provide. — Garry B. Lao (FREEMAN)