New BuCor chief dismisses ‘delicadeza’ claims

MANILA, Philippines—The new chief of the Bureau of Corrections said that he “could not afford to be distracted” when asked about his reaction on sentiments by some that he lacked “delicadeza” for accepting the government position despite facing a plunder case before the Department of Justice.

“Nasagot ko na ho yan sa korte [I have addressed that in court],” retired Lieutenant General Gaudencio Pangilinan said in a 990AM interview Thursday.

Meanwhile, he asked the help of the media to support them in changing the image of the BuCor.

He said the first thing he looked into when he assumed the top post in the BuCor was the welfare of the employees “because their salary grade was much lower compared to other government personnel.”

He said they were trying to give them “legal benefits” so that they will have “a change of attitude.”

Pangilinan replaced Ernest Diokno, who resigned amid controversy involving convicted killer former Batangas Governor Antonio Leviste who had been found out to be leaving the New Bilibid Prison on day trips without authorization.

For more of the interview, listen to 990AM.