The Samahan ng Ex-detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA), an organization of former political prisoners, appealed to ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas and Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel to support an increase in the budget allocation for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
In a letter sent yesterday, August 12, 2024, SELDA emphasized the urgent need to hike the daily food budget for PDLs from the current PhP70 to PhP100-150, and the medicine budget from PhP 15 to PhP 25 per person. The organization also called for the allocation of funds to ensure the provision of potable water and accessible healthcare services in all jails and prison facilities nationwide.
“The current budget is grossly inadequate, resulting in substandard food and limited access to essential medicines,” SELDA stated in the letter. “Inflation and rising costs have significantly reduced the value of these allocations, leaving PDLs with minimal and nutritionally insufficient food, and in some cases, unsafe water sources.”
SELDA pointed to reports from various detention facilities highlighting the dire conditions faced by PDLs, including overcrowding and the consequent health risks. The organization cited the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), which mandates the provision of adequate food, drinking water, and healthcare to all prisoners — standards that many facilities in the Philippines fail to meet.
SELDA also noted the tragic deaths of six ailing political prisoners under the Marcos administration and the significant reproductive health challenges faced by female PDLs.
“As the House of Representatives deliberates on the proposed national budget for 2025,” said SELDA spokesperson Bonifacio Ilagan, “we strongly urge Reps. France Castro, Arlene Brosas and Raoul Manuel to advocate for these necessary increases to uphold the basic human rights of PDLs.”
SELDA’s appeal highlights the broader issue of human rights within the Philippine penal system, particularly the need for systemic reforms to address the severe deficiencies in the care and treatment of PDLs, including political prisoners.