MANILA, May 31, 2013— A new law modernizing the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) could serve as ‘blueprint’ for reform of the country’s justice system, the Catholic Church prison ministry said.
Rodolfo Diamante of the Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (ECPPC) said the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013 is a crucial step towards their campaign for “restorative justice.”
“We fully support it because somehow it will provide the blueprint to change the system of corrections in the country which favors only the rich (inmates),” Diamante said.
President Benigno Aquino III signed has signed the Republic Act 10575 last May 24 that seeks to upgrade prison facilities and restructure the bureau.
Diamante said the new law will also increase salaries and benefits of BuCor personnel.
“We are happy that the President finally heard our call for this. This is a welcome move for us,” he added.
Diamante also said that they will keep an eye on the implementation of the new law in next five years and will continue to push for the adoption of restorative justice system in the country. (CBCPNews)
