A review of the news earlier this month shows that the scandalous NBI conference is only the latest of several anomalies in the NBI under De Lemos’ watch
There is an anonymous letter addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., coursed through Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, concerning the ongoing scandal regarding the National Bureau of Investigation and NBI Director Medardo De Lemos.
That controversy is about an official NBI conference last June 30 at the Manila Diamond Hotel, where the entertainment consisted of a dance number performed by several almost naked women.
De Lemos claims he did not attend the conference, and that no public funds were spent for the event. He said the expenses for it were covered by contributions from NBI officials and agents.
De Lemos said the event was simply a “fellowship,” i.e., an occasion for bonding among top NBI officials.
Gabriela partylist Representative Arlene Brosas, who said what the NBI leadership did was a violation of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, demanded an investigation.
Many netizens and groups advocating women’s interests agree with Brosas and are demanding the immediate resignation of De Lemos.
With particular reference to De Lemos’ disclaimer about his not being present at the official NBI conference where the lewd dance number took place, an online columnist likened De Lemos to Pontius Pilate, the Biblical character who washed his hands of any responsibility for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
In sum, the said columnist opined the time has come for De Lemos to resign because De Lemos has become quite a cumbersome baggage for the NBI.
Other critics maintain De Lemos seems to have the mindset that if the entertainment number in an official function of a government agency is paid for by “private funds,” it is totally acceptable for the entertainment number to be a lewd dance.
According to the critics, De Lemos has to go because a respectable NBI director should never have that kind of mindset.
Naturally, Justice Secretary Remulla is very upset about the incident.
Through his leadership by example since he assumed the helm at the DOJ, Remulla has been working hard to promote the good image of the DOJ and its bureaus, the NBI included.
Overnight, however, De Lemos’ scandalous NBI conference put to naught all the hardwork exerted by Remulla.
For the record, the De Lemos NBI conference took place when Remulla was on official medical leave for heart by-pass surgery.
Although Remulla has also demanded an investigation, the probe should be done by the DOJ, and not the NBI, because De Lemos, who heads the NBI, is believed to have permitted the lewd dance number.
The allegations in the aforementioned anonymous letter should be investigated, because they are very disturbing.
First, it is alleged that NBI Assistant Director Lito Magno and his “batchmates” NBI Assistant Directors Glenn Recarte and Noel Bocaling celebrated their batch anniversary during the same NBI “fellowship” at the Manila Diamond Hotel where the lewd dance number took place.
Second, it is also alleged that NBI Assistant Directors Magno, Recarte and Bocaling were well-aware of the sequence of the program, which included the lewd dance number, because they organized and facilitated the entire event.
Third, it is likewise alleged that De Lemos permitted, or at least consented to, the obscene dance number performed at the official NBI function, knowing very well the said dance number is an offensive kind of entertainment, and that the same will tarnish the public image of the NBI.
Fourth, it is further alleged that Asst. Director Recarte took the initiative to bring the performer for the obscene dance number to the NBI official activity.
Fifth, it is alleged as well that Asst. Director Bocaling was one of the financiers who paid for the talent fee of the performer of the obscene dance number at the official NBI function.
While the foregoing are allegations made in an anonymous letter purportedly sent to President Marcos Jr. through Secretary Remulla, they are worth investigating because they may provide leads to the immediate identification of who among the top NBI officials are responsible for the lewd dance number performed at the NBI conference.
A review of the news earlier this month shows that the scandalous NBI conference is only the latest of several anomalies in the NBI under De Lemos’ watch.
Last June 20, six NBI personnel escorted Jose Dera, a detainee facing drug raps, out of his cell inside the NBI facility in Manila, for a secret date with a lady friend in a restaurant in Makati City.
The fact that such an anomaly even took place shows that something stinks in De Lemos’ management of the NBI.
That anomaly, along with this latest scandal in the NBI, are enough reasons for the public to demand the immediate resignation of De Lemos.