A Study on the Effectivity of the Philippine Prison System
A STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVITY OF THE PHILIPPINE PRISON SYSTEM
ABELARDO ELEANDRO
B. ALB IS, JR. F. 11ADRONA ALICE P. 11ARINO LEONIDES S. RESPICIO
To the builders of this nightmare Though you may never get to read these words I pity you; For the cruelty of your minds have designed the bel!; If men's buildings are a reflection of what they are, this one portraits tbe ugliness of all humanity. If you only had some compassion!
-grafitti written 011 the wall of American State Prison
I. INTROD UCTION
A system is said to be effective if the end is realized with a maximum of success while using a minimum of means. To test, therefore, the effectivity of the prison system, the end or the objective and the means or the strategy availed of to secure the desired end must be examined. This paper attempts to present the working of the prison system, the purpose for which it was established, the methods it employs, and the management strategy being used. It tries to present as candidly as possible conditions inside the prison, the problems, living conditions, activities. And finally, in our modest way, we offer 'some recommendations and proposed solutions.
II.
11ETHODOLOGY
The group engaged in theoretical as well as empirical research. For the latter the 11unicipal Jail .o f Romblon, Quezon City Jail, Provincial Jail of Batangas and the New Bilibid Prison were utilized as venues as actual investigation. Ten maximum-security prisoners, six medium security-prisoners and five miniJ11um-security .prisoners . were informally interviewed. A pack of cigarettes always helped in eliciting honest and more d~wn to earth answers.
60
.
.'
1977]
PHILIPPINE PRISON SYSTEM
61
On the side of the administration, several prisons officials were likewise interviewed. A letter of introduction from the school was required before any information was given. As expected, the inmates and the prison officials had different versions and perceptions about prison life and management. Both sides will
ABELARDO ELEANDRO
B. ALB IS, JR. F. 11ADRONA ALICE P. 11ARINO LEONIDES S. RESPICIO
To the builders of this nightmare Though you may never get to read these words I pity you; For the cruelty of your minds have designed the bel!; If men's buildings are a reflection of what they are, this one portraits tbe ugliness of all humanity. If you only had some compassion!
-grafitti written 011 the wall of American State Prison
I. INTROD UCTION
A system is said to be effective if the end is realized with a maximum of success while using a minimum of means. To test, therefore, the effectivity of the prison system, the end or the objective and the means or the strategy availed of to secure the desired end must be examined. This paper attempts to present the working of the prison system, the purpose for which it was established, the methods it employs, and the management strategy being used. It tries to present as candidly as possible conditions inside the prison, the problems, living conditions, activities. And finally, in our modest way, we offer 'some recommendations and proposed solutions.
II.
11ETHODOLOGY
The group engaged in theoretical as well as empirical research. For the latter the 11unicipal Jail .o f Romblon, Quezon City Jail, Provincial Jail of Batangas and the New Bilibid Prison were utilized as venues as actual investigation. Ten maximum-security prisoners, six medium security-prisoners and five miniJ11um-security .prisoners . were informally interviewed. A pack of cigarettes always helped in eliciting honest and more d~wn to earth answers.
60
.
.'
1977]
PHILIPPINE PRISON SYSTEM
61
On the side of the administration, several prisons officials were likewise interviewed. A letter of introduction from the school was required before any information was given. As expected, the inmates and the prison officials had different versions and perceptions about prison life and management. Both sides will