Perez defends ‘Ateneo mafia’

"I have a right to choose my people."

This was the response of Justice Secretary Hernando Perez to reports that an "Ateneo mafia," composed of his former students and an ex-girlfriend, was now calling the shots at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

"What can I do if they were my students? There are thousands of them. Besides, I have the right to choose who I want for my office," Perez said.

In the face of recent controversies, Perez has taken back Undersecretary Manuel Teehankee’s designation as DOJ spokesman.

"For the meantime, I will be the spokesman,"Perez said.

Teehankee, a member of the New York Bar and a lecturer on international economic law, will instead be temporarily assigned at the Department of Foreign Affairs to assist President Arroyo in her trip to the US on Nov. 18.

Department insiders disclosed over the weekend that six students of Perez at the Ateneo law school, along with a former girlfriend, comprise what is known as the "Ateneo mafia" at the DOJ.

Batch ’84 operates this power bloc, sources said, and it is led by Perez’s chief of staff Pamela Lazatin-Escobar, former Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) executive director Chona Dimayuga, Rose "Baba" Alberto, Paulino "Pol" Gueco, Venicius Fule and Edna Dijamco.

Perez admitted that members of Batch ’84 indeed filled up most of his staff and that consultant Olivia San Jose, 62, was a former girlfriend.

He took exception, however, to allegations that Dimayuga, who operates DOJ’s Room 206 using the name of another lawyer, has been extorting money from litigants.

"No, she is not connected with the DOJ. I told here not to come here anymore," he said. Also barred from the premises is Gueco, said to be Dimayuga’s boyfriend.

Sources said Dimayuga, who was allegedly dismissed last year from the TRB along with her boyfriend Gueco for "immorality, dishonesty and oppression," has been using the name of Lyl Surtida to pass off as a consultant at the DOJ.

Perez also denied that he and human rights lawyer Marie Yuvienco were having an affair, saying it was President Arroyo who had designated the lawyer to coordinate with the DOJ in helping prosecute deposed President Joseph Estrada in his plunder case.

"I am saddened by the fact that despite the numerous problems, we are being saddled with petty issues," he said.

Perez, whose confirmation by the Commission on Appointments is still hanging, said he will probably reassign certain functions of staff members to ease the tension in his office.