Palace expects DOJ, DILG report on ‘VIP treatment’ soonest

Malacañang expects the Departments of Justice and Interior and Local Government to submit soonest their reports on at least two alleged cases of “VIP treatment" at the national penitentiary and at the Quezon City jail annex in Taguig City. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said President Benigno Aquino already ordered a full investigation into both controversies and is waiting for the two departments’ reports. “Ang alam ko pina-finalize ng DOJ ang kanilang ibibigay na report kay Pangulong Aquino ukol sa umanoy paglabas ni former Batangas Governor Leviste sa New Bilibid Prison (NBP) na walang pahintulot," she said on government-run dzRB radio. However, Valte said she is not aware of any specific timetable on when the two departments are to give their respective recommendations. She noted the DOJ has jurisdiction over the Bureau of Corrections, which manages the NBP. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), meanwhile, supervises the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), which manages the country’s jails. Also, she reminded the government’s economic team of President Aquino’s order to come up with an inventory to reform the prison system. The DOJ had conducted a probe of Leviste's "escape" from the NBP. National Bureau of Investigation agents on May 18 caught Laviste in Makati City without the proper leave permit from the NBP. On the other hand, Valte said the DILG is investigating the alleged special treatment being given to members of the Ampatuan clan, who are facing trial for the Nov. 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre. DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo on Friday relieved the warden of the Quezon City Jail Annex in Taguig City, following claims that the Ampatuans are getting special treatment. Robredo said Chief Inspector Glennford Valdepeñas has been placed under administrative relief, but said this did not mean the latter has been proven culpable of the alleged irregularity. “Over the past few days, there were allegations of prisoners receiving VIP treatment. Robredo acted immediately, and we expect him to give his recommendations to the president soonest," Valte said. Valte also noted that in the case of the Ampatuans, Robredo will still verify if the photos supposedly showing the Ampatuans getting VIP treatment were taken recently or much earlier. She said, “Makikipag-meet si Sec. Robredo kay Gov. [Esmael] Mangudadatu at Atty. [Harry] Roque para makuha ang input nila at ebidensya in their possession." Earlier, Mangudadatu showed to media pictures of Andal Ampatuan Sr getting special treatment at the detention center. Atty. Roque represents members of the families of some victims of the Maguindanao massacre that killed 57 people. Valte also noted Valdepeñas assumed his post only last April 7, even as there were claims the photos were taken as early as August 2010. “May sinasabi na ang photos were taken August last year, kailangan imbestigahan ano ang nangyari," she added. — LBG, GMA News