Pres. Aquino’s Decision to Let Mar Go is Politically Correct – Albano

(PNA) — Isabela Rep. Rodolfo “Rodito” T. Albano III on Sunday said President Benigno Aquino III’s decision to let go of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas II was politically correct and put to rest all fears and undue criticisms that the DILG secretary’s continued stay would be used to furtherhis campaign for president in the national elections next year.

Albano said the resignation of Roxas would enable the President to look for a suitable replacement for Roxas to ensure continuity in the implementation of programs and projects for the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“President Aquino’s change of heart to finally let go of Secretary Mar Roxas is a politically correct and sensible move not only to allow Roxas to prepare for 2016 presidential elections but also ensure that continuity in the implementation of projects for the DILG and the PNPwould not be tainted by accusations of politicking and abuse of power and authority as presidential bets gear up for the 2016 elections,” Albano, House contingent head for the Minority Bloc of the Commission on Appointments, said.

“By appointing a permanent head to the DILG after Roxas has tendered his resignation, the President will be able to provide focus and direction to the department in the last nine months of the Aquino administration and ward off undue criticisms as local government units and the PNP are crucial institutions that are at the frontline in ensuring open, free and orderly elections,” Albano, House contingenthead for the Minority Bloc of the Commission on appointments, said.

As this developed, Albano welcomed the imminent takeover of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. as the acting head and temporary caretaker of the DILG while the Palace search for a permanent replacement is being conducted.

Albano said he was hopeful and optimistic that the Palace would be able to find the best person who could match the competence and reforms that Roxas had initiated in the DILG. (PNA) CTB/SFM/SSC