JSCC to hold summit on jail overcrowding

MANILA, Philippines — In an effort to ease congestion in Philippine jails, the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) will hold a national summit from Dec. 6 to 7.

According to the JSCC, which is composed of the Supreme Court (SC), Department of Justice and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the summit seeks to “make a serious dent on jail congestion nationwide” by bringing together stakeholders, experts and justice sector players along with international partners.

The council said the summit aims to craft sustainable solutions in reducing inmate population in correctional facilities to address the root causes of jail overcrowding.

“The summit will provide an essential platform for collaborative discussion, innovative idea sharing and exploration of evidence-based practices,” the JSCC said.

Expected during the summit is an array of panel discussions, workshops and presentations, which the JSCC said would offer “comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities associated with the decongestion efforts.”

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and DILG chief Benhur Abalos as well as legal experts, advocacy groups and representatives from government agencies are expected to participate in the summit.

“The national jail decongestion summit is expected to be a significant step forward in fostering a more just and effective criminal justice system, ensuring the protection of people’s rights and promoting the overall well-being of our communities,” the JSCC said.

Gesmundo had acknowledged the difficulties faced by inmates, such as the lack of facilities and space in prisons as he committed to establish new policies that will expedite the processing of criminal cases and alleviate jail congestion.

Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez assured the public of the government’s commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration, hoping to foster a sense of optimism and potential for new beginnings among inmates.

Abalos earlier pledged the DILG’s commitment to address the issue of jail congestion, expressing readiness to collaborate with the justice sector to “achieve a fair and equitable criminal justice system.”