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MANILA, Philippines – New boss, same priorities.
Two days after being sworn in by President Benigno Aquino III, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas attended on Monday, October 1 his first flag raising ceremony at the DILG main office and vowed to continue the legacy of his late predecessor Jesse Robredo.
Roxas told the staff that he will focus on addressing criminality and promoting transparency among LGUs, and asked them to bear with him while learns the ropes of the department.
The former Transport and Communications Secretary will prioritize addressing criminality particularly in Metro Manila, while regarding LGUs the goal is to strengthen Robredo’s transparency program, particularly the Seal of Good Housekeeping.
“We will expand it. We will invite people — not only from the DILG — to include independent testers and auditors so that these NGOs can help us upgrade LGUs,” Roxas said.
The new Interior and Local Government Secretary denied he will be using his position to shore up his public image ahead of the 2016 presidential election, and noted his decision to take a leave as Liberal Party President is “not for show.”
“My job is to do a good job and that’s what I will concentrate on instead of worrying about what Juan, Pedro or any other critic. I will do my job with integrity, righteously and in accordance with the programs of President PNoy and the legacy of Jesse Robredo,” Roxas said in a mix of English and Filipino.
The DILG chief also explained he still hasn’t found a replacement for resigned Undersecretary Rico Puno.
“There are some names that have surfaced but I think the prudent thing to do is to find out exactly the skill sets and competencies necessary, and in that way we will not fit a round peg in a square hole,” Roxas said.
Mar Roxas also dismissed reports that he eased him out of the department, which Puno quit after allegations that he broke into Robredo’s apartment to obtain confidential documents a few days after the Mabaste plane crash. – Rappler.com
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