New Justice Partnership: DG Catapang and Acting SOJ Vida Meet for Pivotal Dialogue
In a historic move set to fundamentally reshape the Philippine justice system, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) confirmed its plan to permanently close the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) by 2028, a landmark achievement shared by BuCor Director General (DG), GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (RET.), CESE, CCLH with the Acting Secretary of Justice (SOJ) FREDDERICK A. VIDA during their pivotal meeting at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on 01 December 2025.
The DG informed the Acting SOJ that the BuCor’s reform drive has led to an unprecedented period of operational efficiency and a massive reduction in overcrowding. The agency reported a 69% reduction in overcrowding at the NBP from its 2022 baseline of 356% congestion.
The primary driver of this decongestion was the record-breaking release of 27,871 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PsDL) between July 2022 and November 2025. DG CATAPANG highlighted that this figure has surpassed the total releases achieved during the entire term of past Administrations. Furthermore, 13,237 PDLs were transferred from NBP and the Correctional Institution for Women-Mandaluyong (CIW-M) to regional prisons, further easing the overcrowding burden.
The long-term strategy focuses on transforming the operational structure by phasing out the NBP and decentralizing its PsDL population into modernized regional facilities. BuCor is committed to transferring all remaining PsDL from NBP to its Operating Prison and Penal Farms (OPPFs) by the 2028 deadline.
To finance this massive transition and infrastructure boost, BuCor is moving to lease out some portions of its properties through the Memorandum Circular No. 22 series of 2025, “Policy and Procedural Guidelines for Commercialized Joint Ventures and Leases with Private Sector for Asset Monetization”. The revenue generated from the lease is earmarked to support the construction of dormitories by 2028.
DG CATAPANG also detailed future initiatives, stating that BuCor is actively pursuing the establishment of the Philippine Corrections Academy (PCA) in Tanay, Rizal. Furthermore, facilities like the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) and Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) are being designated as future food, economic, and tourism corridors.
Finally, the report detailed significant measures to enhance security and personnel integrity within the facilities. Internal security operations resulted in the seizure of 139,738 contraband items and the dismantling of 5,505 illegal kubols (shanties). On the personnel front, BuCor hired 4,240 additional personnel and promoted 858 officers. In a push for accountability, 177 personnel were subjected to disciplinary action, including dismissal, suspension, or reprimand.
Accompanying the Director General during the meeting were MS. JORDINE ROSE R. OCON, CrFA, MPS, Chief, Strategic Communications Office, and MS. ARBIE A BACALSO, Chief, Budget Division.