Jinggoy asks BuCor chief to resign over Leviste furlough

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Friday asked Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Ernesto Diokno to resign after former Batangas Governor Jose Antonio Leviste managed to go in and out of prison without the proper pass. “I am... reminding Director Diokno of the doctrine of command responsibility; the liability ultimately points to him as the BuCor chief. He should therefore resign immediately from his post," Estrada said in a statement released Friday. "We must first determine which officials have been remiss in their jobs here, and they should be punished accordingly," he added. Estrada likewise said authorities should conduct a full-blown investigation on the alleged special treatment being given to high-profile inmates at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City. “This case highlighted again persistent allegations that certain inmates are indeed being provided VIP treatment by jail officials," he said. He added that maybe it's time to reexamine the system for any flaws and in the process, pass legislative measures to correct the problem. On Thursday, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima said she has already ordered the relief of the BuCor officials directly in charge of monitoring Leviste, who was jailed on homicide charges. Though refusing to elaborate, she likewise hinted at possible sanctions against Diokno. Leviste was arrested in Makati City Wednesday afternoon, after finding he had left NBP without a pass. The former governor claimed he had an appointment with his dentist. He has been brought back to the NBP. Malacañang said it is not getting involved in the incident at this time, saying it will give De Lima the leeway to act on the matter. — Kimberly Jane Tan/LBG, GMA News