BJMP’s Alit laughs off ‘no-records’ rap

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology officer-in-charge Arturo Alit laughed off allegations that he had no records to show that he completed his Officer’s Senior Executive Course (OSEC), a requisite before being promoted to senior superintendent.

Alit explained that his records at the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) are not available at present, they could have been misplaced and, eventually, would be found.

Alit said his application for equivalence to OSEC was approved upon the recommendation of the academic board of PPSC, pursuant to the resolution of the board of trustees of the college dated Mar. 23, 1994. Dr. Cicero Campos, PPSC president, confirmed this in a letter to Alit dated Dec. 21, 1995.

Alit issued this clarification in reaction to reports that Senior Superintendent Josue Engano had filed an ex-parte manifestation to quash the petition for quo warrant to Alit filed before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Oct, 1, 2001.

In his petition, Alit sought to prevent Engano from assuming the position as chief of BJMP because he lacked the necessary qualifications, among them OSEC eligibility.

Alit’s lawyers, Rogelio Montero and Renato Cunanan said the ex-parte manifestation is yet another legal maneuver of Engano.

"This is a desperate attempt by Engano’s legal team after they were rebuked by the Court of Appeals by filing a certiorari before the appellate court instead of resolving first the issue before the lower court," Montero said.