NO sacred cows for President Benigno Aquino III especially in connection with the ongoing probe into the alleged sex trade, VIP treatment and other anomalies at the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told Palace reporters yesterday that BuCor chief Gaudencio Pangilinan will get a fair hearing in the Department of Justice amid reports that the whistleblower has filed charges against him.

Prison guard Kabungsuan Yadaho Makilala has filed a formal complaint against Pangilinan for violation of Republic Act No.9184, or the Government Procurement Act, chop chop procurement, unauthorized cutting of historical trees, unauthorized transfer of inmates and unauthorized exercise  of appointing power.

“Well, they can certainly expect a fair hearing in the DoJ. Pakikinggan po ang both sides kung may complaint na pong finayl [filed]. So it is up to Director Pangilinan to submit his counter-affidavit. And it will be reviewed by the panel, or by the investigating prosecutors,” Lacierda said

Makilala filed his complaint-affidavit assisted by counsel Alan Paguia and Whistleblowers Association president Sandra Cam.

Makilala accused Pangilinan, who was appointed BuCor chief by President Aquino last July 19, of authorizing his chief of staff, Venancio Santidad, to issue a Notice to Proceed for a contract agreement worth P16 million for catering services for inmates at the NBP's minimum security Reception and Diagnostic Center and Muntinlupa Juvenile Therapeutic Center without approval from Justice Secretary Leila De Lima.

The Notice to Proceed for caterer Meyer's Foods and Services, Inc. was supposedly dated Feb. 10, 2012 for a 10-day menu cycle for 1,949 inmates.

Makilala said De Lima's approval was necessary in the transaction because the DoJ exercises direct supervision over the BuCor, the latter being an attached agency of the justice department.

He also alleged that Pangilinan entered into a contract for P1.4 million renovation without any public bidding.