House of Representatives detention center shown to media

The House of Representatives on Thursday gave the media a look inside its detention center, where people who are cited for contempt by the chamber are held.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said this is where Pastor Apollo Quiboloy will be detained if he is arrested. The House panel on legislative franchises on Tuesday voted to cite Quiboloy for contempt for not attending the hearing on whether to revoke the franchise of Swara Sug Media Corporation, which operates Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

There are several CCTV cameras in the detention center, monitored by the Legislative Security Bureau.

There are two rooms. One is already occupied by a resource person who was cited in contempt. The other is empty and its windows are covered with paper. The rooms are air-conditioned. There are also three bathrooms: a men’s room, a women’s room, and a restroom for persons with disability. 

Detainees go through a security and medical check-up. The House also provides them with three daily meals, although detainees may also order through the security personnel or have relatives bring them food.

Detainees are allowed to use their cellphones for 30 minutes every day, but may request for this period to be lengthened. — BM, GMA Integrated News