On jail VIP issue, P-Noy to spring surprise

PRESIDENT Aquino has promised to spring a surprise when he finally decides on the issue of “special treatment” given VIP inmates at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

“With regard to the issue of special treatment, let’s just say that although I’m not into surprises, I’m planning to surprise somebody,” Mr. Aquino told reporters in Bangkok just before returning to Manila at the weekend after a two-day visit to Thailand.

“Because it’s a surprise, I won’t tell you anything,” he said, smiling.

Reminder to Diokno

Mr. Aquino assured that legal processes would be observed in determining the fate of Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Ernesto Diokno.

A longtime friend of Mr. Aquino, Diokno drew flak after news broke that former Batangas Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste, a convicted killer, had been able to go on personal trips outside the penitentiary without official authorization.

Mr. Aquino said he would wait for the recommendations of the fact-finding panel created by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima before passing judgment on Diokno.

He said he had reminded Diokno that he was particularly concerned about the VIP treatment accorded some influential inmates in the NBP when he appointed him to his post.

“You know he (Diokno) had been through a lot. He started as deputy district director of the (WPD) during the time of my mother (Cory Aquino). So if we’re talking about loyalty, there’s no question about it,” Mr. Aquino said.

“From what I remember, I already told him about the special treatment. I’m sure he knows me. As I have told you before, it’s important for me that everything is done according to the process,” he added.

Chance to explain

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said she expected the justice department to submit to the President today its findings and recommendations on the Leviste “caper.”

Mr. Aquino said he could not understand why Diokno failed to stop Leviste’s trips outside prison.

“I have given him a chance to explain his position. If it’s not satisfactory, then only one thing would happen,” Mr. Aquino said, without elaborating.

“I grew up during martial law when only one person’s rules were followed. Now, we have the policies and legal processes that should be observed.”

Mr. Aquino also said he had ordered a legal study on proposals to relocate the NBP from Muntinlupa City to Tanay, Rizal.