JANUARY 1, 2026 — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced a significant drop in prison congestion nationwide, reporting a 69 percent reduction in overcrowding across penal facilities.

BuCor chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. said the release of 10,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in 2025 marked a “record breaking” achievement. 

“So, dati 356% ang congestion. Napababa na natin iyan nang 69%. Dito na tayo sa 287% na lang,” he said. 

(Before, congestion was at 356%. We reduced it by 69%. Now it’s down to 287%.)

The bureau also transferred nearly 14,000 inmates to the New Bilibid Prison, easing pressure on other facilities. Catapang invited the public to see the changes firsthand, noting that the notorious prison is “not as congested anymore.”

Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed office, BuCor has released close to 18,000 inmates who completed their sentences. Another 5,000 were granted parole, while 4,000 were acquitted.

Looking ahead, BuCor is preparing for the construction of a P6-billion “Supermax” facility in Occidental Mindoro. Congress approved the project, with P1.5 billion allocated for 2026, P2 billion for 2027, and P2.5 billion for 2028. 

“Ito po iyong Supermax na sinasabi natin … kasi wala na po tayong death penalty. So, ang gusto nila ay talagang maparusahan talaga iyong mga taong nagkasala,” Catapang explained. 

(This is the Supermax we mentioned … since we no longer have the death penalty, the goal is to ensure offenders serve their punishment.)

BuCor also plans to establish a corrections academy in Tanay, Rizal to professionalize its personnel. Catapang said training standards will be aligned with international practices, citing Singapore, Norway, and the United States as benchmarks.

Beyond bars: reform or relapse?

The announcement raises questions beyond prison walls. What does decongestion mean for communities, families, and the justice system at large? While many welcome the releases, others ask whether rehabilitation programs are strong enough to prevent recidivism. 

The looming Supermax project also stirs debate. Is massive spending on incarceration the right path, or should resources shift toward reintegration and crime prevention?

The public now faces a choice — whether to see this as progress in justice reform or a reminder of the country’s enduring challenges in corrections.

(Image: Philippine News Agency)