Inmates granted holiday conjugal visits

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has allowed conjugal visits for couples who are both serving time for their crimes.

Thirty inmates from the Correctional Institute for Women visited their husbands at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) yesterday.

The couples were allowed to stay at the NBP social hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Gusto natin ma-feel din ng mga PDLs ‘yung Pasko. Hindi lang naman para sa ating nasa laya ‘yung Pasko (We want PDLs to feel it’s Christmas. The season is not just for those who are free),” BuCor officer-in-charge Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. told reporters in an interview, referring to persons deprived of liberty.

Among them were Rose, 45, and Dan, 49, who have not seen each other since they were convicted of drug trafficking in 2016.

Rose thanked the BuCor for finally granting her request.

“Grabe din panalangin namin na kahit minsan lang magkita kami (We have been fervently praying to see each other, even just once),” she said as she fought back tears.

The couple said they were arrested in 2014. They have filed an appeal on their case before the Supreme Court.

They have two sons who were still minors when they were arrested. Both are now under the care of a relative in Batangas.

At least 300 inmate couples are expected to be given a chance to see each other until Jan. 1, 2023.

Catapang said he will also write to President Marcos to seek clemency for at least 3,080 inmates who are 70 years old and above.

He said those who are qualified for clemency have not been convicted of heinous crimes.