MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has taken direct control of the Bureau of Corrections until a replacement can be found for agency head Benjamin de los Santos, who has gone on indefinite leave.
Department Order No. 505 issued by Aguirre Wednesday said he would “directly supervise the management and operations of the BuCor, which are not within the ministerial powers of the officer-in-charge,” Rey Raaga.
“This order takes effect immediately and shall remain in force until further orders or until a new director has been appointed,” it said.
The BuCor is an attached agency of the Department of Justice.
It is responsible for running the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
Earlier, Aguirre, who has filed criminal charges against his predecessor, detained Senator Leila de Lima, for alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade inside the NBP, admitted a resurgence in the illicit business inside the jail.