Department of Justice, DOJ, Leila de Lima, Rickson Chiong, ANC, headstart

MANILA – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday said there could be 2-3 vacancies soon in the top echelons of the National Bureau of Investigation in the wake of the pork barrel scam. Speaking to ANC’s Headstart, de Lima said one NBI deputy director, Rickson Chiong, has retired while she will also recommend the replacement of 1-2 NBI officials. “I will recommend for the replacement…At least 2-3 vacancies,” she said. She said the replacements will most likely come from within the NBI. President Aquino earlier spoke out against “rats” inside the NBI for allegedly tipping off alleged pork scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles about her arrest. This was the reason why the Philippine National Police and not the NBI provided security for Napoles when she surrendered to President Aquino last August 28. NBI Director Nonnatus Caesar Rojas later resigned his post. NBI Assistant Director Medardo de Lemos was appointed NBI OIC. ANC HEADSTART, November 6, 2013