The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has started implementing a cashless policy inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.
BuCor said it implemented the cashless policy beginning Nov. 16 at the Bilibid’s Minimum Security Compound (NBP-MinSeCom).
“The Cashless Prison System is one of the policies of the Director General, General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. AFP (Ret.), CESE aimed at eliminating corruption and illegal activities involving cash transactions within prison camps,” the bureau said.
Under the policy, the bureau said persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have to deposit their cash.
“PDL were given a passbook that clearly stated the amount they had deposited,” it said.
The BuCor explained the passbook serves as “an account holder to track their transactions for transparency” and can be used “to purchase goods or commodities at the Inmate Post Exchange (IPX).”
“Not only prisoners but also corrections officers are prohibited from possessing cash under this policy,” said the BuCor.
The bureau noted the NBP-MinSeCom will serve as “the pilot testing camp.”
So far, as of Nov. 17, 545 inmates have deposited their cash which now totals P301,179.
The BuCor explained “it will instill discipline among Bureau personnel and discourage them from handling the money of PDL.”
“Moreover, this policy aligns with DG Catapang’s previous directive regarding the mandatory uniform for all Operating Prison and Penal Farms (OPPFs) personnel, which includes the requirement of wearing a ‘No Pocket’ uniform while on duty,” it said.
