Bilibid designs uniform kubols for inmates

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City has come up with a uniform design for prisoner cubicles or kubol at the maximum security compound of the penitentiary to ensure equal treatment for both rich and poor inmates, officials said.

NBP superintendent Richard Schwarzkopf Jr. said the newly designed kubol is made of steel and has uniform cabinets, one television and communal toilet.

The two-floor kubol could accommodate up to eight persons, he said.

“We will need hefty budget to construct the kubols. We already have a model unit, which we will use as basis when we ask for capital outlay,” Schwarzkopf said.

“Early next month we will start putting up our model kubol inside the maximum security compound,” he said.

Schwarzkopf said each cubicle would cost P50,000 each.

Lawmakers investigated last June the alleged special treatment for rich inmates at NBP’s maximum security compound. Congressmen conducted an ocular inspection of the national penitentiary.

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga said some congressmen lost their temper during the ocular inspection when they discovered some of the cubicles of inmates were locked.

The floor and wall tiles of the kubol were different from other cubicles. Each cubicle has its own toilet, exhaust fan, and basic kitchen amenities. Some have their own television set and DVD players aside from pullout beds.

Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon also found a children’s playroom with some toys.

Schwarzkopf said they could not remove the kubol in the NBP as these rooms provide privacy to inmates who are being visited by their families and relatives.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has ordered the NBP to dismantle the kubol.

“We cannot dismantle the kubols as visiting families and conjugal visits require privacy. For example children who visit their parents here could talk freely because they have privacy, we have to grant them privacy as part of our reformation program,” Schwarzkopf said.