IBP wants to choose next Cebu City fiscal

CEBU CITY — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has urged the regional state prosecutor to allow it to choose the replacement of former city prosecutor Cezar Tajanlangit.

In a joint resolution, the city and provincial chapters of the IBP said it is imperative for them to ascertain that whoever would replace Tajanlangit has passed the "standard test of fitness, honor and honesty, fearlessness of purpose and a high order of talent."

"The position of the city prosecutor demands a heavy responsibility of dispensing justice pure and unsullied, so that the purity and efficiency of the administration of the criminal justice system in Cebu City shall depend largely upon the competence, character and morality, as well as conduct and demeanor of the city prosecutor," the IBP said.

The IBP said a corrupt, immoral and incompetent city prosecutor would only produce a corrupt, immoral and incompetent criminal justice system, undermining the trust and confidence of the people.

It also urged the regional state prosecutor to submit the names of the applicants and recommendees so it can render its comment.

Last Feb. 21, Tajanlangit tendered his "irrevocable" resignation, saying he was accepted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of the US Department of Homeland Security.

However, Tajanlangit has not taken his oath of office since President Arroyo has yet to approve his resignation. — Freeman News Service