Thursday, July 19, 2007 Mary Ann groomed for next RSP? Definitely not Castro: Gonzalez
LAWYERS in Cebu have reportedly expressed concern over reports that controversial Cebu City Assistant Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro will be named in charge of the Regional State Prosecutor (RSP) beginning Aug. 1.
The report, however, was quickly denied by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez who said that “definitely it will not be Castro.”
Castro, when asked for her comment, dismissed the talk as hearsay and not fit for the news pages. She said the story deserves printing only as a blind item.
Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu City chapter president Briccio Boholst said he will convene the IBP board of directors today so they can make a stand on the issue after receiving reactions from lawyers.
Boholst said the reaction from lawyers might have been spurred because of Castro’s previous controversies.
Employees of the RSP, who asked not to be named, claimed Castro went to their office the other day and told them she would change the physical arrangement of the office once she assumes the post.
In an interview over radio dyLA, Castro said she indeed went to the RSP office but only to get her travel allowance.
She also laughed at reports she was appointed to the post, which will be vacated by Regional State Prosecutor Antonio Arellano.
Arellano will assume the post of RSP in Davao, his home province.
Castro, however, said that even if the report were true, she would still have to decide whether to accept the responsibility.
Secretary Gonzalez, for his part, denied appointing Castro.
“That is not true. She is applying but I am not appointing her…Just wait for my appointment but definitely it will not be Castro,” said Gonzalez in phone interview. (KNT)
