Diokno vows full cooperation in probe of Leviste out-of-prison trip

MANILA, Philippines—Beleaguered Bureau of Corrections director Ernesto Diokno has guaranteed Justice Secretary Leila de Lima his full cooperation to the fact-finding probe into how former Batangas Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste was able to slip out of the state penitentiary.

In his letter to De Lima, Diokno said he decided to go on a leave of absence “to give a free hand to the DOJ (Department of Justice) fact-finding body to determine the extent of liability among BuCor officers in connection” with the Leviste incident.

“This way, people will not think that I am influencing the outcome of the investigation. Whoever is liable must be made answerable,” Diokno said in his one-page letter dated May 21, which was received by De Lima’s office on Monday.

He said he would relinquish his post immediately and would return once the fact-finding committee concludes its investigation.

He recommended BuCor assistant director Teodora Diaz to temporarily take his place “to ensure continuity of my programs.”

Diokno said he was saddened that the incident occurred “in the midst of all my efforts in instituting genuine reforms in prison.”

“Rest assured that Her Honor and the fact-finding body can count on my full support and cooperation in this ongoing investigation,” he said.



Originally posted at 12:40 pm | Monday, May 23, 2011