BuCor chief suspended

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said yesterday Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Ricardo Macala has been suspended by Malacañang for 90 days to pave way for a fair investigation into complaints filed against him.

Justice Secretary Simeon Datumanong announced that Undersecretary Ramon Liwag, whose office oversees BuCor, would take the place of Macala.

Malacañang issued Administrative Order 72, placing Macala under preventive suspension and authorized the DOJ to designate any competent person to discharge the responsibilities of the director.

Datumanong said Macala is facing charges of grave misconduct, accumulation of unexplained wealth and nepotism filed by employees. The BuCor chief has repeatedly denied the allegations.

It was no surprise that the normally accommodating BuCor chief turned cold yesterday.

"No comment. Write down what you want," an irate Macala told The STAR before turning off his mobile phone. – Aurea Calica, Nikko Dizon