Ex-police director eyed as Diokno's replacement

MANILA, Philippines - Former police director Rex Piad is being eyed as possible replacement for resigned Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director Ernesto Diokno, sources at Malacañang revealed yesterday.

Piad was among the possible replacement even as presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said President Aquino would make the announcement in due time.

Sources revealed Aquino has already ordered Piad, recently appointed as special envoy for transnational crimes, to take over as BuCor chief.

Apart from Piad, other names that were being floated to replace Diokno include former Army general Danilo Lim, retired police chiefs Avelino Razon and Jesus Verzosa.

Lim was linked to several failed coup attempts against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The former Army Scout Ranger commander ran under Aquino’s senatorial ticket in the Liberal Party but lost in the 2010 elections.

“It’s all speculation as of this point. We’ve not asked the President who his choice is and he will announce it once the person invited to head the BuCor will accept his invitation,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda refused to identify the candidate but revealed the President has already talked to him.

“He has spoken to the person but as to the identity of the person, I would not be in the position to tell you,” he said.

Diokno resigned in the wake of the controversy stemming from the caper of former Batangas governor and convicted murderer Jose Antonio Leviste.

Diokno earlier took a leave of absence to allow the investigation of allegations of incompetence and violation in the implementation of prison rules, particularly in the case of Leviste who was able to slip out of prison without authorization or court order.

President Aquino said he was not satisfied with the answers given by Diokno on why irregularities at the BuCor persisted.

This apparently forced Diokno to resign.