Robredo investigation not about Puno, Malacañang says

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Malacañang said the investigation initiated by the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo does not center on Undersecretary Rico Puno

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang clarified that the investigation initiated by the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo was not focused on Undersecretary Rico Puno.

In a radio interview on Sunday, September 9, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Robredo’s investigation covered only the process that allowed the alleged irregularities in the procurement of arms and ammunition for police.

“From what I understand, the investigation is on what happened to the transaction and not centered on a specific person. It’s [about] the process that took place,” Valte said.

She then said the focus at the moment is the confirmation of Robredo’s replacement, incoming Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

“Let’s just hold off on that (Puno issue) first…because what they are discussing now is [that]…there are vacancies that need to be filled. The incoming [Interior and Local Government and outgoing Transportation Secretary Roxas] has to be confirmed first,” Valte said.

President Aquino earlier announced that Puno may be replaced by Philippine National Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome amid questions on why Puno went to Robredo’s residence a day after Robredo died in a plane crash off Masbate August 18.

When asked if Puno should take a leave of absence, Valte replied it would be best to wait for any announcement from the President.

President’s orders

Puno, a friend and shooting buddy of President Aquino, is under fire for allegedly attempting to retrieve sensitive documents from the Robredos’ residence.

Valte said the President had confirmed he ordered Puno to secure the office of Robredo. Aquino said he saw nothing irregular if Puno went to Robredo’s condominium unit in Quezon City with some policemen.

“Since the President was the one who gave the order. It was PSG (Presidential Security Group) that followed,” she said, adding that the President’s order was only to seal the three offices of Robredo.

Robredo held office at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), at the National Police Commission (Napolcom) and Camp Crame, where the headquarters of PNP is.

She added that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima was also asked by Robredo’s wife, Maria Leonor or “Leni,” to secure her late husband’s documents and personal belongings, since there were people who tried to enter their unit when the DILG chief was declared missing.

“When it comes to the personal effects and the condominium, which is a private property of the Robredos, Secretary De Lima was asked by Attorney Leni Robredo to be the one to make sure that the personal effects were secured,” she said. 

Valte added that Mrs. Robredo also requested De Lima to get some of her husbands things at their Manila residence.

Valte said the Palace would not meddle in the investigation that Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago would like to launch to determine those who were allegedly behind Puno.

“Any investigation that is called upon by a senator is within their powers. That’s in aid of legislation,” Valte said. – Rappler.com

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