Gordon tells Bantag: Submit report on Bilibid deaths, go on leave

Senator Richard Gordon on Wednesday said Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag should voluntarily take a leave of absence amid ongoing investigation into inmates' deaths at the New Bilibid Prison allegedly due to COVID-19.

"He may submit a proper report and then temporarily go on leave if I were him," Gordon said in a virtual interview with reporters.

"Not good for the [image of the] President but the Secretary of Justice and the President could extricate themselves from this quagmire by doing something about it right away. Take him out and put somebody who knows how to run a prison," he added. "Dapat inilagay diyan 'yung marunong, firm, fair."

Gordon reiterated that Bantag should have immediately reported to the Department of Justice and the Department of Health when Bilibid inmates tested positive for COVID-19.

The senator previously warned that BuCor officials may face administrative charges over the incident.

Earlier this week, the BuCor chief confirmed that 21 inmates have died of COVID-19, including high-profile ones. Bantag refused to disclose their identities but the DOJ said it has been confirmed that Jaybee Sebastian—who implicated Senator Leila De Lima in illegal drug trade—was one of them.

Secretary Menardo Guevarra already ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to look into the issue.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Risa Hontiveros are also seeking a Senate probe.

Once referred either to the Senate Blue Ribbon or justice committees, Gordon said he may lead a hearing on the Bilibid deaths next week. — BM, GMA News