Overcrowding and Its Impact on Inmate Welfare: A Case Study of the Manila City

Jail Male Dormitory

A Case Study
Presented to the Faculty of
College of Criminal Justice
Philippine College of Criminology
641 Sales St. Sta. Cruz, Manila

In partial fulfillment of the requirements

for
Internship On-the-Job Training Program

By

Gabong, John Errol D.

Executive Summary

This case study examines the issue of overcrowding in the male dormitory at
Manila City Jail, a critical issue facing the Philippine correctional system. Overcrowding
is a persistent challenge that has resulted in significant consequences for the welfare of
inmates, including deteriorating physical and mental health, limited access to
rehabilitation programs, and heightened security risks. This study aims to investigate
how overcrowding affects inmate welfare, security, and the overall effectiveness of the
prison system.

Manila City Jail, one of the most overcrowded correctional facilities in the
Philippines, operates well beyond its intended capacity. The male dormitory, in
particular, faces extreme overcrowding, housing significantly more inmates than its
capacity allows. The lack of space has led to dire health, safety, and security conditions
for the inmates. Through qualitative research methods, this study will explore the
complex impact of overcrowding on inmate welfare and propose actionable
recommendations for addressing these challenges.

Background

Manila City Jail, one of the oldest prisons in the Philippines, was originally built in
1847 during the Spanish colonial period in the heavily developed Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Over time, it has become a symbol of the country's challenges with overcrowded
correctional facilities (Gil, 2024). With an official capacity of just under 1,200 inmates,
the jail currently accommodates approximately 3,200 men, a staggering 168%
overcapacity (Gil, 2024).

This situation is part of a broader issue facing the Bureau of Jail Management
and Penology (BJMP). According to the Commission on Audit (COA, 2023), the
country's jails are overcrowded by 367% as of 2022, with the total number of detainees
reaching 127,031, far exceeding the total ideal capacity of 46,702. The COA further
revealed that nearly 68% of the country's 478 jail facilities are considered "heavily
congested," with occupancy rates ranging from 101% to 2,739%. This means that
nearly three out of five jail facilities are housing more detainees than their carrying
capacity (COA, 2023).

As reported by Chi (2023), the increase in detainee numbers is partly attributed

to the slow pace of court decisions and the rise in the new admittance of detainees,
particularly in light of the government’s ongoing anti-drug campaign. Delays in court
proceedings, compounded by a shortage of judges and postponed hearings, exacerbate
the overcrowding issue. Additionally, many persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) remain
incarcerated due to their inability to post bail, while the lack of space for jail expansion
further complicates the situation (COA, 2023).

Efforts to address overcrowding are ongoing. Warden Lino Montano Soriano of

Manila City Jail has been tasked with reducing the number of inmates by reviewing
prisoner records to identify those eligible for release. While progress has been slow,
with only 354 prisoners released in March 2024 compared to 288 new admissions,
these efforts represent a positive step in alleviating overcrowding (Gil, 2024). The COA
(2023) also recommended that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)
focus on constructing, improving, and expanding jail facilities to address overcrowding
and improve living conditions for PDLs.

Despite these ongoing efforts, overcrowding remains a significant concern, and

substantial reform is necessary to improve the conditions of the nation's jails and the
welfare of their inmates.
 Case Evaluation

Overpopulated and congested prisons present significant challenges for both

Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and prison officers, particularly in the security and
control units where constant monitoring is required. The overcrowded conditions often
strain the ability of jail officers to effectively manage and maintain order, especially when
tasked with multitasking various responsibilities during their shifts. Through observation
and interviews with custodial and escorting personnel at Manila City Jail - Male
Dormitory, the researchers were able to gather this data.

1. Overcrowding at Manila City Jail Male Dormitory presents severe health and safety
risks for both Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and jail personnel. The dormitory is
significantly overpopulated, leading to unsanitary conditions, inadequate medical care,
and insufficient space for inmates. These conditions facilitate the rapid spread of
infectious diseases and worsen mental health issues, including anxiety and aggression.
The overcrowding increases the likelihood of violent incidents among inmates, putting
both detainees and staff at greater risk.

2. The overcrowding at the Manila City Jail Male Dormitory makes it harder for jail
personnel to do their jobs properly. With more inmates than the facility can handle,
things like food distribution, healthcare, and daily routines become more difficult to
manage. Jail officers are stretched thin, which leads to exhaustion and frustration. This
makes it harder for them to keep control of the situation.

3. Overcrowding also affects how quickly inmates’ cases are processed. Many
prisoners end up waiting for long periods before their trials, leading to dissatisfaction
and a feeling of injustice. With so many inmates, there’s also less chance for them to
access legal help or rehabilitation programs that could help them change their lives.
This makes it harder for inmates to prepare for life after prison, considering that it’s
harder to look for a job when you have a criminal record even if the case filed is
dismissed.

Proposed Solutions

Expansion and Infrastructure Improvements:

● Construct additional dormitories and facilities to create adequate space for

inmates, reducing overcrowding and improving their living conditions.
● Invest in improving healthcare infrastructure by providing more medical staff,
equipment, and resources to address health risks such as the spread of
infectious diseases due to the overcrowded environment.
● Upgrade sanitation and other essential services, such as water supply and waste
management, to ensure that inmates and staff are not exposed to unsanitary
conditions, ultimately reducing health risks and improving overall safety.

Efficient Judicial and Legal Processes:

● Expedite case processing by increasing the number of judges and court staff,
 allowing cases to move through the system more quickly, and reducing the time
inmates spend in pre-trial detention.

● Increased implementation of alternative sentencing options for non-violent

offenders, such as house arrest or community service, which would help alleviate
overcrowding without compromising public safety.

● Implement case review systems to identify detainees who may have been in
pretrial detention for an extended period, ensuring that those who are eligible for
release or alternative measures are processed swiftly, reducing the number of
individuals held in jail unnecessarily.

● Make legal assistance for detainees who qualify for it more accessible. The
Public Attorney’s Office is free but the problem is its accessibility. Considering
that the client or the defendant is detained of course its movement is limited
hindering his or her access to legal assistance.

Rehabilitation and Staff Support:

● Improve access to rehabilitation programs, education, and vocational training

within the jail, providing inmates with the opportunity to develop skills and
prepare for reintegration into society upon release. Despite it truly being
implemented inside it is not really being fully utilized outside prison considering
an employer would ought to hire those without criminal record. Government
assistance to Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) should be extended all the way
into the outside, not just inside the prison.

● Focus on improving the welfare of jail staff by offering regular training programs,
enhancing working conditions, and ensuring they are adequately supported in
managing overcrowded environments, which will reduce burnout and improve job
satisfaction. This way their hard work managing an overcrowded Manila City Jail
would be compensated not only by various programs but I also recommend
increasing their salaries.

Collaboration and Resource Mobilization:

● Encourage partnerships with local government units to secure land or resources

for building new jail facilities outside of Metro Manila, reducing the burden on
Manila City Jail Male Dormitory and spreading out the inmate population as
evenly as possible.

● Mobilize resources from non-government organizations (NGOs), international

bodies, and private sector entities to fund the construction of new facilities,
upgrade existing infrastructure, implement rehabilitation programs for inmates,
and improve programs that are already being implemented.

● Advocate for policy reforms and government action on a national scale to

address the systemic issues contributing to overcrowding, ensuring that all
stakeholders are involved in developing long-term solutions for the Bureau of Jail
Management and Penology.

Conclusion

The issue of overcrowding at Manila City Jail Male Dormitory continues to be a

significant challenge that impacts the welfare of both inmates and jail personnel. The
current conditions, including health risks, strain on jail operations, and delays in legal
proceedings, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reform. While the Bureau of
Jail Management and Penology faces widespread congestion, addressing the
overcrowding at Manila City Jail requires a various approach that includes expanding
jail facilities, improving the judicial system, and offering improved alternative sentencing
options.

By focusing on creating more space for inmates, ensuring timely legal processes,
and investing in rehabilitation programs, the overall quality of life for inmates and jail
personnel can be improved. Additionally, providing necessary support for jail officers
and investing in security technologies will help enhance safety and efficiency within the
facility. With cooperation from various government agencies and local governments, the
challenges of overcrowding at Manila City Jail Male Dormitory can be mitigated, leading
to a more sustainable and humane jail management system.

Recommendation

To mitigate the current overcrowding at Manila City Jail Male Dormitory, a

comprehensive approach is essential to improve the conditions for both inmates and jail
staff. Expanding the facility through additional dormitories and upgrading existing
infrastructure will alleviate congestion and ensure safer living conditions. To further
reduce overcrowding, it is crucial to expedite judicial processes by increasing the
number of judges and court staff, as well as implementing alternative sentencing
options like community service for non-violent offenders. Additionally, investing in
rehabilitation programs will help inmates gain valuable skills and reduce the likelihood of
reoffending. Collaborating with local governments and the private sector to secure land
for new facilities outside Metro Manila can help distribute the prison population more
evenly. Finally, improving staff training and support, along with introducing advanced
security technologies, will enhance the efficiency and safety of jail operations. Through
these measures, the overcrowding issue at Manila City Jail can be effectively
addressed, ensuring a safer and more humane environment for both detainees and
personnel.

Implementation

The researchers focused on improving the present condition of the Manila City
Jail Male Dorm to efficiently and effectively manage Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL).
In addition, maintaining a good prison condition will significantly reduce the violence
inside the Manila City Jail Male Dormitory. To effectively address overcrowding at Manila
City Jail Male Dormitory, a coordinated approach involving the Bureau of Jail
Management and Penology (BJMP), local government units, the judiciary, and
non-governmental organizations is essential. These initiatives include expanding the
facility, securing funding through government and private partnerships, and
implementing alternative sentencing for non-violent offenders. Judicial reforms, such as
appointing more judges and expediting trials, are crucial to reducing delays.
Rehabilitation programs should be introduced with assistance from NGOs, and
integration of modern security technologies to enhance operational efficiency and
safety. By effectively collaborating, these measures can improve inmate welfare, ease
overcrowding, and create a more manageable environment for both detainees and
officers making sure that the officers will not experience dissatisfaction with their jobs
and inmates rights will not be violated.

References

Chi, C. (2023, June 22). Philippines jails overcrowded by 367%, says COA report.
PhilStar.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/06/22/2275793/philippine-jails-overcrowded-36
7-coa

Commission on Audit. (2023). 2022 audit report on the Bureau of Jail Management &
Penology: Addressing overcrowding and the impact on detainee welfare. Commission
on Audit.
https://www.coa.gov.ph/wpfd_file/bureau-of-jail-management-and-penology-consolidate
d-annual-audit-report-2022/

Gil, L. (2024, July). Philippines: Humane approach to incarceration relieves chronic

prison overcrowding. United Nations News.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/07/1152051