A proposed new Caloocan City jail: Barangay 177, Sacred Heart Quirino Highway, North Caloocan City, NCR / Catherine Joyce J. Lazaro .--

Bachelor's thesis

College of Architecture and Fine Arts .-- Bachelor of Science in Architecture: Technological University of the Philippines, 2025

Includes bibliographic references and index.

This study aims to assess the factors and impacts affecting the daily lives
of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in BJMP-manned city jails, with a particular
focus on Caloocan City Jail. City jails, managed by the Bureau of Jail Management
and Penology (BJMP), house PDLs with short-term and pretrial cases, typically
serving sentences from one day up to three years. The research identifies

overcrowding as the most pressing and persistent issue across almost all BJMP-
managed city jails. This problem contributes to severe congestion, inadequate

space allocation, limited facilities and services, and significant safety concerns.
Specifically, Caloocan City Jail was designed to hold only 135 PDLs, yet
currently detains 1,425—resulting in a variance of 1,290 and a staggering
congestion rate of 1,056%. According to the United Nations Standard Minimum
Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, the recommended space per inmate is 4.7
square meters. However, the actual space available per inmate in Caloocan City
Jail is only 0.47 square meters, creating a 1:10 space ratio.
This study places a special focus on addressing the alarming increase in
the population of male PDLs in the facility. Data reveals that the majority of inmates
are pretrial detainees, many of whom are facing charges related to prohibited
drugs. The study concludes with an urgent call for the construction of a new jail
facility in Caloocan City to alleviate overcrowding and improve current substandard
conditions that hinder safety, rehabilitation, and visitation. The existing facility fails
to meet humane treatment standards, negatively affecting PDLs, jail personnel,
visitors, and the families of detainees.

ii | P a g e
Respondents strongly support the development of a new, well-equipped
facility that promotes human dignity, safety, and effective reintegration programs.
Such an initiative would address current deficiencies and help rebuild public trust
in the justice system. In accordance with Republic Act No. 6975, also known as
the “Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990,” every city and
municipality is mandated to maintain a secure, clean, adequately equipped, and
sanitary jail facility. To support this goal, the study also evaluates a proposed site
in terms of location, benefits, and its potential positive impact on the community.
Ultimately, the study aims to provide a comprehensive architectural solution to the
pressing issue of jail overcrowding in Caloocan City.