NBI ordered to probe ‘decision broker’ at judiciary

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila De Lima ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into a certain “Ma’am Arlene,” an alleged “decision broker” at the judiciary.

“The Chief Justice also wants the NBI to investigate,” De Lima told reporters after her meeting with Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

There is already an ongoing probe by the Office of the Court Administrator on the matter.

De Lima said the issue must be looked into since it alleges corruption in the courts.

The controversy is being linked to the equally controversial election of officers of the Philippine Judges Association (PJA) where “Ma’am Arlene” was said to have worked her “magic” to influence the selection process.

“Kailangan lang imbestigahan because it speaks of an alleged corruption within the Judiciary and key institutions of the justice system. And ganyan na nati-taint ang integrity, yung process of election and process of choosing the head of the judges association, then it’s worth looking into,” De Lima said.

“May nakakarating na report kay Chief Justice na nagkaroon nga ng mga hindi kanais-nais na activities or para bang naging political game na these contenders in the Judiciary have resorted to dirty tactics which can only be said to  be present in political elections,” she said adding that the Judiciary is supposed to be a “professional organization and, therefore, they are supposed to be immune from these foul tactics.”