MANILA, Philippines – Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas said that as far as he’s concerned, he will have full control of the department including the police, a situation that his predecessor the late Jesse Robredo did not enjoy.

Speaking to reporters after his appointment was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments on Wednesday, September 19, Roxas said that part of what he must decide on is who he will appoint as replacement for resigned Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Rico Puno, a friend and shooting buddy of President Benigno Aquino III.

Robredo and Puno used to share power in the department, with Puno enjoying control over the National Police and attached agencies. This caused constant tension between both officials.

Puno resigned a week ago because he said he wanted to give Roxas a free hand to appoint his own staff

Roxas said there is no replacement for Puno yet.

He added that he plans to sit down with Philippine National Police chief Nicanor Bartolome, whose name Aquino suggested for the post, to see where he stands in terms of becoming undersecretary.

Bartolome reportedly does not want to resign from his PNP position before March 2013, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 for police and military personnel.

Roxas promised to give “all out 100% good faith effort” when he sits as head of the DILG, and to continue the work of Robredo.

While there were intial threats to his appointment courtesy of Sen Miriam Defensor-Santiago who said she would veto his appointment, Roxas breezed through his appointment unlike other Cabinet members who have had difficulty to get approval from the CA. The appointment of his replacement, Cavite Rep Joseph Emilio “Jun” Abaya as Transportation Secretary, was also approved.

He told reporters he was also grateful that Santiago changed his mind, and approved his appointment after an appeal — although he said she was aware of his qualifications.

“Kilala ko naman ang senador. Siya mismo nung siya ay sumulat sa Commission, sinabi niya sa kanyang pananaw na more than qualified [ako] in honesty, in competence and efficiency (I know the senator. She herself said when she wrote the Commission that in her view, I am more than qualified in honesty, competence and efficiency),” he said. – Rappler.com