The Commission on Human Rights cited the issue of lack of space in the country's jails as it observed the 33rd National Prison Awareness Week from Oct. 19 to 25 together with the Catholic Church.

The theme for this year is "Restoring Hope and Healing during this Time of Pandemic through God’s Transforming Unconditional Love."

CHR spokesperson Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia said that the theme underscores the need to protect everyone from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the vulnerable populations, such as persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

De Guia lamented the highly overcrowded jail situation in the country. "This extreme lack of space inside these facilities is compounded by serious deficiencies in health, food, and safety, which generates unsanitary environments where it is easy to spread diseases," said De Guia.

Because they have fewer protections from an outbreak, De Guia said that PDLs may face more significant "fallout" from any disruptions in daily life.

"The combination of this new health emergency with the structural existence of high levels of prison overcrowding in the Philippines sounds an alarm that must be addressed immediately," she said.

Aside from the issue of overcrowding, De Guia expressed concern over all forms of cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment that is being implemented inside prisons.

"Now that social distancing and isolation are strictly implemented within penitentiaries, the right to information and communication between prisoners and their families must be fully recognized to ease anxiety and fear between the two parties," she said.

The CHR strongly urged the House of Representatives and Senate to enact the National Preventive Mechanism Bill since this will help improve the treatment and the conditions of PDLs according to the standards set in place by the United Nations (UN).

"At the end of the day, crimes must be punished, but there remains an inherent obligation of the government to uphold everyone’s dignity, especially those who are eyed to be reformed," she said.