BEHIND BARS AT NEW BILIBID PRISON: A Call for Integrated Reform by Prof. Raymund E. Narag, Ph. D. – An Online Book Launching

On 14 October, 2020, the Institute for the Administration of Justice celebrated with Professor Raymond E. Narag for the online book launch of his work, “Behind Bars at New Bilibid Prison: A Call for Integrated Reform.” Prof. Narag introduces the book as a decades-long project, drawing from his own experiences as a person previously deprived of liberty. The result is an extensive roadmap with a critical analysis of the penal institution.

He begins his discussion with a situationer of the Philippine criminal justice system, and proceeds to lay out his theoretical framework. After presenting the facts and complexities of the New Bilibid Person – which includes an overview of informal internal systems developed by PDLs themselves  – Prof. Narag ends with a call for reform through collaboration between and among government agencies. He advocates for the development of an integrated agenda for criminal justice reforms.

Congressman Vicente Veloso, as a reactor in the event, praised Prof. Narag for his work and dedication. As the Chair of the Committee of Justice, he welcomed the suggestions by the author. The other reactor, Professor Filomin Gutierrez, shared her own views from a sociological perspective while duly acknowledging the merits of Prof. Narag’s alternative approach in forming a comprehensive understanding of the Philipine correctional system.