'Quezon City's next chief prosecutor must be a career fiscal'

MANILA, Philippines - Two lawmakers representing Quezon City called on President Arroyo yeserday to appoint the next chief city prosecutor from the ranks of career fiscals, and not just somebody who has links with influential religious organizations.

Reps. Vincent Crisologo and Nanette Castelo-Daza said the next Quezon City chief prosecutor after Claro Arellano – who was promoted to Chief State Prosecutor following the retirement of Jovencito Zuno – should come from the list of his deputies.

They warned of a massive demoralization from the ranks of local prosecutors, especially since rumors are rife that Malacañang will appoint an “inexperienced but politically influential outsider” who has the backing of a religious group.

Sources said the next city prosecutor is a young lawyer who neither has court nor preliminary investigation experience, and that the only edge he has is that he was strongly endorsed by former justice secretary Agnes Devanadera.

Crisologo urged President Arroyo to limit her choice for the next city prosecutor to the list of senior deputy prosecutors “who have dedicated the best years of their legal career” in the service of Quezon City’s criminal justice system.

“President Arroyo can put an end to the unwelcome practice of past administrations of ignoring the brilliant legal minds we have in the Quezon City prosecutor’s office. Government should respect the career service system in a premiere city like ours,” Crisologo said.

He said “there is just no sense appointing an outsider whose legal and administrative experiences are both wanting. It will put both the criminal justice system and the career service in the prosecution arm in extreme danger.”

Daza earlier joined incumbent city councilors in pushing for the appointment of one of the three most senior prosecutors to replace Arellano.

The best contenders are First Assistant City Prosecutor Meynard Bautista, Second Assistant City Prosecutor Dindo Venturanza and Second Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Villamor.

Both Crisologo and Daza said they are not rooting for a specific candidate to fill the vacant post.