Implementation and Challenges of Jail Services in District Jails in Western Visayas, Philippines

Abstract

This study assessed the implementation of jail services in district jails within Antique, Philippines, focusing on basic needs, health, livelihood, education, sports, recreation, visitation, paralegal, and religious provisions, relative to population, location, budget, and personnel. Utilizing a quantitative, descriptive, and comparative approach with 153 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) as respondents, the research revealed a generally very great extent of implementation. Notably, assistance for voting-eligible PDLs was the highest-rated service, while insufficient cell ventilation emerged as a top challenge. Implementation varied significantly based on population, location, budget, and personnel, supporting Scheirer's Program and Implementation Theory—that service effectiveness is context-dependent. This underscores how population size directly impacts budget allocation and, consequently, service provision. The findings offer actionable recommendations for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to improve consistency, particularly in smaller jails, by addressing challenges and fostering external linkages for funding and resources. Future research should delve into the "why" behind implementation variations through qualitative methods and explore the impact of these services on PDL reformation.