Bucor chief no show at inquiry on prison anomalies

MANILA, Philippines—Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Gaudencio Pangilinan was a no-show at the inquiry held Monday by the Department of Justice on the alleged anomalies being committed inside the national penitentiary.

The fact-finding investigation was marred by the walkout of Atty. Alan Paguia, lawyer of whistleblower Kabungsuan Makilala, who expressed disappointment over the proceedings.

Paguia had questioned the fact-finding panel why its members were grilling Makilala instead of questioning the BuCor officials allegedly involved in various anomalies inside the penitentiary.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima clarified that Pangilinan did not attend the fact finding inquiry because he was not invited by the panel to attend.

Panel members are City Prosecutor Edward Togonan as chair, State Counsel IV Berlin Berba as vice chair, and Head Agent Rachel Marfil Angeles, chief of the Anti-Graft Division of the National Bureau of Investigation.

“I am sure that the panel will, in due time invite Director Pangilinan. Let us allow the panel please to fulfill its mandate devoid of undue pressure and sensationalism,” De Lima said in a text message sent to reporters.

Paguia, meanwhile, said the panel was investigating the whistleblower instead of those allegedly involved in the anomaly. “The fact finding investigation is a disappointment,” Paguia told reporters after he walked out of the hearing.

He also questioned why the fact-finding inquiry was closed to the media.

Makilala, a Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) employee and former member of the Bids and Awards Committee, had accused Pangilinan of violating Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Act for allegedly approving a P16-million catering service contract without signature of De Lima. The NBP is an attached agency of the Department of Justice.

Also included in his complaint is the P1.4 million renovation contract without public bidding and the cutting of historical trees without permission from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

He added that Pangilinan also allowed VIP treatment to certain prisoners, prostitution and misappropriation of prison funds such as the purchase of some 12 mountain bikes for P25, 000 each.

Pangilinan replaced Ernesto Diokno who resigned at the height of the controversy surrounding the caper of former Batangas Governor Antonio Leviste.