DOJ starts probe of anomalies at Bilibid

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) started yesterday its fact-finding investigation into charges against Bureau of Corrections director Gaudencio Pangilinan over anomalies in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

Pangilinan did not attend the first hearing, saying he has not yet received a subpoena.

Lawyer Alan Paguia – who represents complainant Kabungsuan Makilala – walked out of the proceeding and decried the manner of questioning by the three-member panel chaired by Muntinlupa City Prosecutor Edward Togonon.

Paguia said he did not believe the panel would conduct the probe fairly.

“That panel has no credibility. They are asking my client questions immaterial to the complaint,” Paguia told reporters.

He said the panel asked Makilala to explain where he obtained documents attached to his three-page complaint affidavit, asked “clarificatory questions” regarding his claims against Pangilinan, and made inquiries about Makilala’s writing several senators about his exposé.

“What portion of the complaint is not clear to them? I grilled Makilala myself for eight hours when we prepared that complaint,” Paguia said.

The panel, however, said it did not send any invitation to Pangilinan and only scheduled Makilala’s appearance. Pangilinan, the panel said, will have his turn to appear before them.

Makilala, a former assistant head of the bureau’s bids and awards committee who was transferred by Pangilinan to Davao penal colony last year, filed his formal complaint against Pangilinan with the DOJ last Feb. 20.

He accused the BuCor chief of chopping up procurement projects into smaller amounts to avoid biddings and ordering the cutting of historical trees, transfer of inmates and appointing officers without the proper authorization.