Diokno quits post

MANILA, Philippines – The Palace confirmed today that beleaguered Bureau of Corrections chief Ernesto Diokno has submitted his irrevocable resignation to President Benigno Aquino III.

In a statement, the President said Diokno, who was in hot water for days due to the out-of-prison escapade of former Batangas governor Jose Antonio Leviste, submitted his resignation letter before 2:00 p.m. today.

 “Ang kaniyang pagbaba sa puwesto ay magbibigay daan sa agarang pagpapatupad ng mga repormang nais nating gawin sa ating sistemang Koreksyonal,” the President said.

He likewise praised Diokno for the decision, saying, “Pinupuri ko si Ginoong Diokno sa kanyang pagpapasya sang-ayon sa kanyang konsensya.”

It was not however clear whether Diokno admitted in his resignation letter his liability on the Leviste incident.

During a hearing at the Department of Justice last week, Diokno maintained that he should not be held responsible for the “outside escapade” of the former Batangas governor.

He pointed out that he did not know anything about Leviste’s trip outside of the prison compound.

Diokno insisted that jail officials in the minimum security facility, where Leviste was supposed to be detained, should be blamed for the incident.