BuCor chief Bantag open to lifestyle check amid allegations

Suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gerald Bantag has expressed willingness to undergo a lifestyle check amidst allegations of corruption.

Bantag is currently suspended as he is a person of interest in the murder of broadcaster Percy Lapid, who had criticized alleged corruption within the national penitentiary and against Bantag.

Lapid was killed on October 3, and the confessed gunman stated that instructions for the hit came from someone within the New Bilibid Prison.

Bantag denied the corruption allegations, stating that the vehicles shown in videos criticizing him were government-owned or belonged to his neighbors.

He also refuted claims of owning a mansion, stating he lives in a small house.

Bantag also stated he has no problem being removed from office and had offered his courtesy resignation to DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla after President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s assumption into office.