LAWMAKER WANTS JESSE’S WIDOW AS DILG CHIEF

source: manilatimes.net

WHO can replace Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo?

His wife can, according to a lawmaker.

Rep. Kaka Bag-ao of Akbayan party-list said that Leni Robredo, a lawyer, can take on the post left by her husband at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Bag-ao said that Robredo’s widow is most qualified as she has displayed eagerness to help the common people by joining the Saligan (Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap pang Legal). She also helped victims of human rights.

“Mrs. Robredo is a silent worker,” Bag-ao said.

Bag-ao and Representatives Teddy Baguilat of Ifugao province and Bolet Banal of Quezon City agree that Robredo’s replacement must have unquestionable integrity and willing to listen to all sides before making any decision.

“We know Secretary Jesse had undergone so many trials from being a political ally to political rival when he assumed the post of DILG. Despite criticisms, he opted to continue working and refused to fight back to defend himself,” Baguilat told mediamen at the weekly Fernandina Forum at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City.

Banal said that Robredo and his wife were a perfect tandem who assisted common people.

Bag-ao.said that it is difficult to find the likes of Robredo but there are qualified people who can do the job and share their talents.

Among the names floated were Leni Robredo and Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya of Cavite province.

Vigilance
Meanwhile, bishops on Wednesday called for vigilance in the selection of a new DILG head.

Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz and Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said that the position left by Robredo is crucial to the government, thus the need for serious public attention.

Pabillo, chairman of the CBCP’s National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace (Nassa), said that Robredo left big shoes to fill.

“This is a big challenge for the government to find someone who can do the job rightly like what Secretary Robredo did,” Pabillo said.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., who was named officer-in-charge (OIC) at the DILG, pledged that reforms initiated by Robredo will continue.

Ochoa on Wednesday sought a review of the programs and projects left by Robredo. He assured DILG employees that there will be no interruption of operations in the agency.

“While we join Secretary Robredo’s family and the nation in this time of bereavement, the President felt also that it is appropriate to designate an OIC for the meantime, on a very temporary nature to ensure that the DILG is running and its service to the public is continuous,” he said.

source: manilatimes.net