JUSTICE SECRETARY Menardo I. Guevarra on Tuesday said his department “would be more circumspect from this time on” in light of the ongoing controversy over Solicitor General Jose C. Calida and his family’s security firm.
Facing calls for resignation, Mr. Calida issued a statement on Monday saying there was no conflict of interest with the government contracts that Vigilant Investigative and Security Agency Inc. acquired after he assumed office.
He also admitted to not divesting his stakes at the company, but insisted this was of no concern, adding that the criticisms are just an attack from the opposition due to his involvement in the ouster of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno.
Sought for comment, Mr. Guevarra told BusinessWorld in a text message, “I’m sure the SolGen can explain his statement.”
He added, “unless it could be shown that the subject contracts were entered into violation of procurement laws, it is presume (sic) that said contract are valid and regular.”
On the conflict with interest issue, Mr. Guevarra said, “that’s his own lookout.”
The Office of the Solicitor General is attached to the Department of Justice, but operates as an independent and autonomous agency. — Dane Angelo M. Enerio

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