Justice Secretary Aguirre recalls 'midnight resolutions' of predecessor Caparas

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has directed the recall of resolutions issued by his predecessor weeks before the change of administration on June 30.

Issued on August 3, Department Order 524 ordered all prosecutors to defer the implementation of all resolutions signed by then Acting Justice Secretary Emmanuel Caparas from May 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016.

“In the interest of public service and pursuant to the provisions of existing laws the said prosecutors are hereby directed to defer the implementation and/or execution of all resolutions issued by then Secretary of Justice Emmanuel L. Caparas from May 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016 with respect to motions for reconsideration of resolutions issued on petitions for review pursuant to Section 13 of Department Circular No. 70 (2000 National Prosecution Service Rule on Appeal), if a motion for reconsideration has been filed by the party or parties aggrieved by paid resolutions issued by Secretary Caparas,” the order said.

Aguirre also ordered prosecutors to ask for suspension of court proceedings if any of Caparas' resolutions have made it to the courts.

The DOJ chief also wants the docket section of the Office of Secretary to "immediately turn over" to his office all case records in connection with the concerned resolutions.

Aguirre's action came after anti-corruption watchdog Filipino Alliance for Transparency and Empowerment (FATE) claimed to have learned about last-minute reversal of decisions made by Caparas allegedly in exchange for money.  

Caparas, however, had denied the accusation and challenged the group to come out with evidence.

He also pointed to "personal interest" as potential motive behind the accusation. — VVP, GMA News