JUSTICE Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Thursday ordered the Bureau of Corrections to investigate reports that some high-profile inmates temporarily detained at the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Custodial and Detention Center are again enjoying special privileges.
“Any special privileges granted to these inmates… shall be immediately [removed],” Aguirre said in his memo to Corrections Chief Benjamin Delos Santos.
Aguirre made the order even as he denied that he authorized the restoration of the privileges previously being enjoyed by the inmates when they were in the New Bilibid Prison.
He also rejected the allegations by Senator Leila de Lima that he had restored the privileges of the inmates who testified against her during the inquiry by the House of Representatives into the proliferation of illegal drugs at the national penitentiary.
“I absolutely deny it. I made no such order,” Aguirre said.
“However, allow me to point out that Senator De Lima used the term restores. It only means that she is admitting that such privileges that she claims were restored were existing during her time as secretary of Justice.
“She must have a lot of spare time to reminisce about her past. You can only reminisce about factual things, things that actually happened.”
Aguirre challenged De Lima to present evidence to back her accusation.
‘‘If she has the evidence, then present it,” he said.
“If there is evidence that I actually made such an order, the accuser should be the one to bring it forward.”
De Lima claimed she had “indisputable information” that Aguirre restored the privileges of the high-profile inmates led by convicted robber Herbert Colanggo who testified against her in the House’s inquiry on the narcotics trade.
She said among these privileges were the use of cellular phones and other electronic gadgets, television, air-conditioning units and even internet access.
The use and or possession of such devices inside the New Bilibid Prison is prohibited, with Aguirre himself saying last year that the illegal drug trade in the national penitentiary proliferated due to the presence of communication gadgets.
De Lima said if Aguirre would deny her accusation, she will show the evidence to the members of the Commission on Appointments which is tasked to deliberate on and approve the appointment of Cabinet officials.
‘‘IThe powerful commission deferred the confirmation of Aguirre due to the opposition of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
