MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / May 11, 2012) – Philippine Justice Secretary Leila de Lima assured journalists that they are not included in a probe she ordered on a confidential report of alleged anomalies in the Bureau of Corrections that was leaked to the media, according to the National Press Club.
De Lima earlier ordered probers headed by Undersecretary Leah Armamento to include journalists in their investigation after the media reported about the anomalies, according to ABS-CBN television.
“Usec. Armamento is hereby authorized to gather evidence, and to interview and elicit relevant information from concerned individuals, including members of the Fact-finding Panel, its Secretariat and other support staff, and any other persons involved in the investigation, including the complainants, witnesses and implicated persons, as well as members of the media who apparently received purportedly ‘leaked’ information…” the television network reported, quoting De Lima’s order.
ABS-CBN reported about the leaked documents which involved alleged violations of bidding regulations, overspending, and special treatment given to wealthy prisoners by some Bureau of Corrections officials.
Benny Antiporda, NPC president and vice chairman of the Alab ng Mamamahayag (ALAM), said De Lima assured him that journalists are not included in the probe.
“We are glad to note that Sec. De Lima has made her personal assurance that no members of the press would be included in the investigation,” Antiporda said.
De Lima told Antiporda that she was “misunderstood” when she ordered the probe to include the media. She said she respects press freedom which is guaranteed in the Constitution.
De Lima said she was merely “soliciting” the assistance of the members of the press in order to fast-track the result of the investigation. (With a report from Nenet Villafana)
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