Lacierda: Aquino summoned embattled BuCor chief Diokno

(Updated 4:10 p.m.) President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday summoned embattled Bureau of Corrections director Ernesto Diokno, in hot water for the unauthorized "vacation" of Batangas Governor Jose Antonio Leviste, who was convicted of homicide. "[President Benigno Aquino III] called in Diokno to the Palace. He was summoned to the Palace," said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, adding that Aquino and Diokno talked for about 10 minutes. Lacierda said he was not aware of the topic discussed because no other person was allowed inside the room. Diokno is an appointee of President Aquino. Lacierda said early Thursday morning that Aquino ordered Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to conduct an investigation on the matter. He said he was surprised that Leviste was allowed to go out of the National Bilibid Prison. “I was surprised. We expect someone incarcerated to remain in penitentiary. It’s news to me na nakalalabas pala," he said. Asked on the possible sanctions against Diokno, he said he will just let the task force created by De Lima to finish its investigation. Asked on why the Palace seemed soft on Diokno when the supposed violation was very glaring, Lacierda said: "The President is a strong believer of due process." "Let us allow the officials to explain their side," he added. In 2009, a Makati court found Leviste guilty of homicide charges for the killing of his long-time friend and aide Rafael de las Alas in 2007. — LBG/KBK, GMA News