The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a bill preventing the proliferation of contraband in prison by mandating all government agencies and local government units to implement a detection and control system.
With 208 affirmative votes and no zero and abstention votes, the lower chamber of Congress passed House Bill 9153, or the proposed Contraband Detection and Control System (CDCS) Act.
The bill proposes a maximum of 40 years in prison and a PHP10 million fine for inmates found in possession of illegal substances, merchandise and other contrabands.
Speaker Martin Romualdez said this would have a “chilling effect” on persons deprive of liberty.
“At the same time, we’re telling them that we’re sincere and serious in giving them a new life away from danger, that is why we’re helping them get rehabilitated,” he said.
“We mean business here because these crimes have always been recurring in practically all administrations. We have to have a culture of discipline and order once and for all. We also hope to reduce, if not end, gang wars inside prison facilities,” he added.
Under the bill, among the contraband items include illegal drugs, firearms, explosives, alcohol or intoxicating beverages, cigarettes, tobacco products, vapes, all forms of currency and monetary instruments, electronic communication devices and luxury items such as appliances, gambling or gaming equipment and jewelry.
House Committee on Dangerous Drugs chairman and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said the measure would serve as a deterrent to those inmates or detention prisoners “where drugs and crimes have been a part of their lives”.
“The measure will put a stop to their nefarious activities, where they are transacting drug deals even inside prison,” Barbers said.
Under the bill, any person who shall introduce, convey or attempt to introduce dangerous drugs, firearms and explosives will face imprisonment ranging from 20 years and one day to 40 years plus a fine of not less than PHP5 million but not more than PHP10 million.
As for other kinds of contraband, the penalty of imprisonment ranges from six years and one day to 12 years plus a fine of not less than PHP1 million but not more than PHP5 million.
Moreover, any public official, jail authority or employee found in violation will be given the additional penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of all retirement benefits and accrued leave credits.
Also tagged as contraband are items that can threaten the safety, security or health of persons in the correctional institution or any item that can be used for planning, aiding or executing the escape from such facilities.
The CDCS shall include modern technology, devices or units, such as handheld and walk-through metal detectors, X-ray scanners and K9 units.
“All personnel in charge of the entry to correctional, custodial or detention facilities shall conduct an effective contraband detection and control procedure using CDCS technologies and devices, in addition to the traditional methods of searching any person, including their personal effects and belongings, entering such facilities,” the bill read. (PNA)
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