DoJ chief to recuse self from any case arising from IIRC report By Benjamin B. Pulta 09/22/2010

.DoJ chief to recuse self from any case arising from IIRC report

By Benjamin B. Pulta
09/22/2010

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima will take no part in the prosecution of possible criminal charges which may land in her agency against any of the 13 individuals who have been found liable for the hostage-rescue operations last Aug. 23.

In an interview with reporters yesterday, the justice chief acknowledged the possibility that charges may end up before the DoJ in connection with the report and recommendations of the Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC) submitted to the President Aquino Friday last week.

De Lima, who also headed the five-man IIRC panel which crafted the report, noted that criminal or administrative charges may also be brought to other appropriate forums aside from the DoJ. “There are appropriate mechanisms on how to address potential cases (of prejudgment), like possible perception of prejudgment. The option to inhibit is always there,” De Lima said.

In a separate statement, De Lima assured that the IIRC respects the decision of President Aquino to review their recommendation to initiate administrative and criminal proceedings against the 13 individuals and three television networks that allegedly breached protocols in covering the hostage crisis situation.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100922hed2.html