Noy narrows choice for next BuCor chief to 2

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino said yesterday his choices for the next Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief had been narrowed down to two persons.

“There is one candidate actually for two positions and I have to make an announcement soon on this, he is actually needed in both of the slots,” Aquino told reporters in an ambush interview in Malacañang after signing four bills into law.

He said he would make the announcement by July once he had chosen the persons to fill in the two positions.

“I am sorry, not ready for this time,” Aquino said.

The STAR earlier reported that former police Director Rex Piad, who had been appointed as special envoy for transnational crimes last year, was being considered to replace resigned BuCor director Ernesto Diokno.

Sources said Aquino had spoken to Piad to take over Diokno’s job.

Various names were also being floated as possible replacement for Diokno – former Army officer Danny Lim, retired police chiefs Avelino Razon and Jesus Verzosa.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda earlier said Aquino had indeed spoken to the person that he would like to replace Diokno “but as to the identity of the person, I would not be in the position to tell you.”

Diokno resigned after the controversy involving former Batangas governor Jose Antonio Leviste’s unauthorized trips outside the New Bilibid Prison came out.

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