Axed? DOJ officials mum on rumor that Aguirre has been sacked

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II (File photo by MARIANNE BERMUDEZ / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Officials at the Department of Justice (DOJ) are mum on a rumor circulating that Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II will be removed from his post.

Speculation that President Rodrigo Duterte has sacked Aguirre circulated due to the chief executive’s displeasure at the dismissal of drug cases against businessman Peter Lim, Kerwin Espinosa, and Peter Co.

Aguirre has not responded to queries of reporters.

Justice Undersecretary Erickson Balmes said the DOJ chief skipped work Tuesday because of a medical appointment.

When asked about reports that Duterte had axed Aguirre, he said: “Axed? Parang wala naman pong dumating na ganyan na news dito po sa amin.”

The media requested a short interview.

His undersecretary said they would try to accommodate the request in the afternoon.

However, after following up on the possible interview by the afternoon, Balmes said Aguirre had already left for Malacañang. /atm