Press Release
November 21, 2016

GORDON PROPOSES THE USE OF PENAL LABOR

Senator Richard J. Gordon has asked the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to allocate a budget to allow prisoners to work in prison and be used productively. Such productive use of prison labor would be part of the inmates' reformation before being reintegrated into society.

During the deliberation on the budget of the Department of Justice, Gordon said prisoners, whose jail terms have almost been completely served, could be made to work on projects such as flood control.

"They could plant trees on denuded mountains so that floods could be prevented. They could also desilt rivers or they could fix damaged irrigation canals or systems to improve crop production in the country. They could be given allowances for the community work," the senator said.

"This way, the inmates are provided an occupation in preparation for their reintegration into society. At the same time, we can also start the reforestation of our mountains and prevent floods, especially in Central Luzon," he added.

To address the present lack of vehicle license plates for distribution in the Land Transportation Office, Gordon proposed that a license plate production project for inmates could be launched.

The senator also commended the BuCor officials after Ret. PC/Supt. Rolando Asuncion, BuCor officer-in-charge, reported that Samsung Electronics is leasing a space in the prison compound for their production line where prisoners are hired as workers.

"That is a step in the right direction," he said.

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