Leviste admits he had no permission to leave Bilibid

(Updated 12:34 p.m.) Former Batangas Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste has admitted at a government inquiry on Monday that his departure from the New Bilibid Prison last week was unauthorized. Speaking before a Justice Department fact-finding panel, Leviste said he felt he was entitled to leave the national penitentiary because his tree-planting project in Bilibid made him a "member" of the Bureau of Corrections family. "I had the illusion I was already part of the BuCor family. It slipped my mind [I had to ask for permission] and said I'll sneak out and come back right away," Leviste said, adding that he tried to ask permission from BuCor authorities but there was no official to authorize his departure. Government agents arrested Leviste outside his office at the LPL Building in Makati City last Wednesday, May 18. Leviste explained that at the time, he was suffering from a tooth ache and had to undero treatment in Makati City. But Leviste maintained that while he was aware that what he did was wrong, he did not consider that his actions had serious consequences. "I did it on my own. I know it was wrong. I should not have done it and I won't do it again," he said. During the hearing, State Prosecutor Rohaira Lao-Tamano asked Leviste if he was aware that inmates are prohibited from leaving the New Bilibid Prison compound in Muntinlupa City. To which, the former governor replied: "There was a need, and there was an opportunity. And I didn't think it was such a serious matter. May lightning strike me if I have an iota to escape. I have begun to love this place." When asked whether he had walked in and out of NBP several times, Leviste invoked his right to remain silent because the DOJ has filed a case against him before a Makati court for evading the service of his sentence. 'May I be struck by lightning!' Several times during the hearing, Leviste repeated that only he should be punished for his unauthorized depature from Bilbiid, adding that it would be a "grave injustice" if other people like BuCor and NBP officials should be sanctioned as well. In tears, Leviste told the panel: "I'm ready to suffer the consequences of my actions but it's a grave injustice if anybody else should suffer the same fate." "As God is my witness, may I be struck by lightning, may I be damned to eternal hell if anybody is responsible for me going out. If you want to execute anyone, execute me now because I did not think what I did was so serious. May I be struck by lightning, may I not wake up tomorrow morning," an emotional Leviste added. The former governor also explained that his custodian, Fortunato Justo, should not be held liable because the latter was overseeing the whereabouts of seven or eight other inmates. Leviste added he usually reported to Justo at Bilibid's minimum security compound, but on that day, he did not feel the need to report to him. The minimum security compound houses inmates whose sentences are about to lapse or inmates who are above 70 years old, such as Leviste. Before his arrest last May 18, Leviste had "sleep out" privileges, which were terminated last week. "Sleep out" prisoners can spend the night in private homes inside the prison compound but away from prison cell. Poor security Leviste also revealed during Monday's hearing that it was easy for an inmate to walk in an out of Bilibid because of the lack of security personnel and because those guarding the seven entrances and exits to the national penitentiary do not check those who are going in and out. He admitted that he used the main road to go out of Bilibid, but the guards manning the outpost did not check his vehicle while he was leaving. "Is it easy for an inmate to go in an out of prison?" asked panel chair Senior State Prosecutor Susan Dacanay. "There are seven entrances and exits here. Naglaho-laho na ho ito (These apparently do not exist anymore. You can't control unless you close the whole place," replied Leviste. He added that the sprawling 366-hectare NBP compound cannot be placed under tight security because the property is considered public. Public utility vehicles like jeepneys, tricycles, and taxis can enter the main gate freely. Diokno goes on leave Leviste was asked whether he was previously warned by Bureau of Corrections director Ernesto Diokno that he could be punished for leaving NBP premises. State Counsel Charlene Mae Tapic asked: "Have you received any previous warning from any BuCor official regarding escaping? The reason why I have brought this up is because Director Diokno has been quoted as saying that he has served warnings to you regarding your act of living or any other act which deserves disciplinary action. Have you received any warning?" But Leviste again declined to answer again. "I'd like to remain silent," the former governor said. Diokno has drawn flak for the bureau's supposed security lapses that allowed Leviste to walk in and out of the NBP without permission. On Monday morning, Diokno sent Justice Secretary Leila de Lima a letter saying he was going on leave as the DOJ looks into Leviste's so-called caper. — RSJ, GMA News