PLLO chief enjoys Aquino’s trust – Valte

MANILA, Philippines – Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) chief Manuel Mamba has the trust and confidence of President Benigno Aquino, according to deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte.

Legislators have made Mamba responsible for the number of bills vetoed by the President. A total of 71 bills were vetoed. (READ: Aquino must replace legislative liaison)

Valte said the solution is not Mamba’s replacement. What is needed is better coordination between the legislative and executive branches of the government and not the replacement of Mamba over the veto of numerous bills, Malacañang said Friday.

“The President has been in discussions with leaders and members of both Houses to work on coordination when it comes to legislative measures,” Valte said in a press briefing.

Acting Senate President Jinggoy Estrada earlier called for Mamba’s replacement as PLLO chief for his alleged failure to coordinate with the Senate on proposed laws. 

Mamba is a former representative of Cagayan. He is said to be at odds with fellow politician from Cagayan former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. 

Mamba also found an ally in outgoing House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin. She said replacing Mamba “will not totally solve the problem” of Aquino’s veto of proposed laws.

“More extensive communication between legislative and various agencies is needed. For the road conversions, the executive has been firm in saying it’s impossible due to non-compliance of some technical and functional qualifications,” Garin said.

Garin downplayed the number of vetoed bills. She said many of them were bills proposing road conversions or bills that are considered “political considerations.” 

“Others had political considerations that run contrary to PNoy’s strict fiscal reforms. The veto somehow sent a strong message of “matuwid na daan,”” she added. – Rappler.com