BuCor gets new deputy director general for reformation

MANILA, Philippines — Newly-appointed Bureau of Corrections Deputy Director-General Jay De Castro has taken his oath before Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

The DOJ chief confirmed to reporters that De Castro has been appointed as deputy chief of BuCor who will be in charge of reformation activities at the bureau.

Guevarra said De Castro is taking over the post vacated by Melvin Buenafe who tendered his irrevocable resignation in November 2019.

“Until recently, his position at the BuCor had remained vacant,” he added.

Guevarra meanwhile referred to De Castro as “a whiff of fresh air” in the bureau.

 “He was in private law practice for a long time, specializing in labor-management cases. He was a passionate anti-crime crusader, especially focusing on illegal drugs,” Guevarra said.

The DOJ chief said he and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea worked with De Castro in the 1980s at the Ponce Enrile Reyes and Manalastas (PECABAR) law offices.

Last week, BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag was also officially appointed to his post as chief of the bureau.

Guevarra explained that Bantag “was only on secondment from the [Bureau of Jail Management and Penology] to the BuCor.”

“He was designated as DG, but he kept his item with the BJMP. Now he is appointed directly to the BuCor with a tour of duty not exceeding six years,” the DOJ chief added.

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Bantag to the BuCor in September 2019. He took over the vacated position of Nicanor Faeldon, who was fired over the controversy on inmates' Good Conduct and Time Allowance. — Kristine Joy Patag