990AM: DoJ report on Leviste caper for submission to Aquino—exec

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DoJ) report on the special privileges given to jailed former Batangas Governor Antonio Leviste and other VIP inmates of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) is ready for submission to President Benigno Aquino III, an official told Radyo Inquirer 990AM Friday.

Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III said, “Reports are ready, we will submit it to the secretary and finally, to the president; we assure the public that reports will guide the president accordingly.”

Baraan said that witnesses’ testimonies especially the one given by Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Ernesto Diokno (on leave) were seriously considered.

Baraan added that there were no logbooks or CCTV cameras inside the NBP so it was hard to look for evidence. “NBP is a porous perimeter where anyone can go in and out.”

He said they might ask for temporary assistance from the Philippine Army because it was hard to guard the inmates.

“They have created their own problems,” he said, citing an inmate who was killed by a fellow inmate inside the ‘kubol’ in the NBP compound Thursday. He said because of these ‘kubols’, jail guards could not see what was happening inside.

The fact-finding panel formed by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima looked into the circumstances that enabled Leviste to leave the NBP compound in Muntinlupa City without a pass, and travel to Makati where he was arrested by authorities.

The panel inspected the security arrangements at the penitentiary and questioned Leviste, Diokno, other NBP officials, and guards.
For the full interview, listen to Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

Danica Hermogenes