Palace: Cabinet to appear in Puno probe

Rappler.com

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Malacañang says it respects the Senate's decision to investigate outgoing Interior Secretary Rico Puno

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MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Tuesday, September 11, gave assurances it won’t stand in the way of a planned Senate investigation on outgoing Interior Undersecretary Rico Puno.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Abigail Valte told reporters the Palace respects the “prerogative” of the Senate to call for investigations. The Senate’s Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws will begin the investigation on Puno on Friday, September 14.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is leading the investigation. Santiago said: “I will look into all the controversies that have surrounded the head of Mr Puno ever since he took office.”

The committee already invited Puno and other resource persons to the probe such as:

  • Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa Jr
  • Environment Secretary Ramon Paje
  • Justice Secretary Leila de Lima
  • Interior and Local Government Secretary-designate Manuel Roxas II
  • Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Nicanor Bartolome
  • Arcbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz, head of Krusada ng Bayan Laban sa Jueteng
  • Lawyer Maria Leonor “Leni” Gerona Robredo, wife of the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo

Asked if Malacañang would allow the Cabinet officials to attend the Friday hearing, Valte said: “All officials in the Executive under the Aquino administration have always participated when called to investigations of Congress.”

Asked about the Senate invite last Monday, September 10, however, De Lima said she would have to consult the President first before deciding on attending.

The previous Arroyo administration had invoked executive privilege in banning Cabinet officials from attending congressional probes on scandals.

Puno is under fire for a botched firearms deal that his former boss, the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, reportedly investigated, and for attempting to enter Robredo’s condominium unit a day after Robredo’s plane crashed off the waters of Masbate.

The President has announced that Puno will soon be leaving the department and that he plans to ask National Police chief Nicanor Bartolome to replace him. – Rappler.com

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