Incoming DOJ secretary Aguirre vows 'drastic' changes in BuCor

Incoming Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday said the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) will undergo some "drastic" changes under the Duterte administration.

"Marami akong plans as DOJ secretary," Aguirre told reporters after the proclamation of President-elect Duterte and Vice President-elect Leni Robredo by Congress. "Number one iyang Bureau of Corrections."

BuCor is a line agency of the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

"My action in the Bureau of Corrections will be very, very drastic. They will not like it, but it will be effective," Aguirre said.

Aguirre served as Duterte's lawyer during the canvassing of votes from May 25 to 27, along with incoming presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.  

Duterte, in a press conference last week, announced a massive reshuffle in government especially in the BuCor as well as Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).   

"I don't want to tell you my punches, but BuCor shall be the first to taste that kind of administration from the Secretary of Justice," Aguirre said.

He added that the changes "will effect everybody there."

Aguirre said Duterte's marching orders to him was to reduce the alleged corruption in the DOJ to zero. 

"You will have a very not corrupt DOJ secretary. Corruption is zero. That's my marching orders from the President," he said. 

Like his boss, Aguirre also vowed to give extra focus on people behind the illegal drug trade. "Iyang mga drug lord na iyan, sigurado ako diyan," he said.

Duterte's campaign promise centered on suppressing crime, especially drug-related activities, in six months. —KBK, GMA News