Gonzalez back at DoJ

11/17/2007

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez has announced his return to the Department of Justice (DoJ) after an almost three-month absence due to health concerns.

Gonzalez paid a surprise and short visit early yesterday morning to the DoJ building and issued a memorandum for all department heads to the effect that he is reassuming his post effective Friday.

Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, who was appointed by President Arroyo while Gonzalez was in sick bay, was also asked to return to the Office of the Solicitor General.

In the same memorandum, the 76-year-old Gonzalez directed all ranking DoJ officials, including heads of the department’s attached agencies, to a meeting on Nov. 19 at the DoJ Executive Lounge.

Prior to his medical leave, the DoJ lounge located on the ground floor served as the secretary’s temporary office after finding it difficult for him to use the stairs leading to the Office of the Secretary on the second floor of the building.

“Be advised that I have reassumed my office as Secretary of Justice effective Nov. 16, 2007. In this regard, you are hereby directed to attend a meeting scheduled on Nov. 19, 2007, 11 a.m. at the DoJ Executive Lounge, Department of Justice Compound, P. Faura Street, Ermita, Manila,” part of the memorandum stated.

Gonzalez was rushed to a hospital last Aug. 3 after vomitting blood. He underwent a kidney transplant last September and was confined at the National Kidney Institute in Quezon City. The kidney was donated by his personal driver.

Gonzalez is Mrs. Arroyo’s staunchest ally in the Cabinet, often taking the cudgels for the beleaguered Chief Executive.

The Justice chief had said he was already contemplating retirement but was asked by Mrs. Arroyo to return to work.

Benjamin B. Pulta

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