Chief state prosecutor retires

MANILA, Philippines - An official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) who spent more than half his life prosecuting criminals in courts retired from government service yesterday.

Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuño leaves office with the successful prosecution of the rape-slay case of former mayor Antonio Sanchez of Calauan, Laguna and the case of statutory rape of an 11-year-old girl by former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo Jalosjos, the Vizconde massacre, and the plunder case of deposed President Joseph Estrada among his legacies.

He has prosecuted cases with the DOJ for over 35 years, including the past 13 years as head of the National Prosecution Service.

Zuño, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 65, said he plans to spend the next month or two on vacation with his family and then consider moving to private consultancy.

He revealed that his family is very happy because they can now spend quality time together.

Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera has recommended to President Arroyo Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor, Senior Assistant Chief State Prosecutor Severino Gana, and Quezon City Chief Prosecutor Claro Arellano as Zuño’s successor, with administrative supervision over 1,750 prosecutors nationwide.

Prosecutors are tasked to determine if a complaint filed with the DOJ should be filed before the proper court.

Zuño earned his Bachelor of Laws from the Lipa City Colleges in 1963.

He served as a special counsel to the Office of the Prosecutor in Batangas City from 1975 to 1980.

Zuño was a First Assistant City Fiscal at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Lipa City from 1980 to 1983 and was appointed acting City Fiscal in 1983. – Edu Punay