(Eagle News)–Clean up the Good Conduct Time Allowance law mess, implement full computerization, and stop the illegal drug trade in prison.
These were the marching orders, in order of priority, of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra to newly appointed Bureau of Corrections director-general Gerald Bantag, whom he met for the first time on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
The meeting took place a day after Bantag was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to the post left vacated by Nicanor Faeldon, who had been sacked following the GCTA mess.
Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said Bantag, however, has yet to take an oath as his requirements were still pending.
The Palace has said Bantag was appointed based on his professionalism and competence, and the criminal charges filed against him in connection with an explosion that killed 10 inmates in Parañaque City jail when he was warden were a non-issue.
The Palace said Bantag, after all, was innocent until proven guilty.
Guevarra has said the President had full authority to appoint Bantag even without consulting him. Moira Encina