Palace to respect Puno's UN withdrawal

It's over.

Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora said yesterday that President Estrada will respect the decision of former Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno to quit as the Philippine's permanent ambassador to the United Nations.

Puno had requested the Chief Executive to remove his nomination from the Commission on Appointments (CA) so that he can concentrate on defending his graft case before the Sandiganbayan.

The anti-graft court asked Puno to explain his "unjustified" cancellation of a P200-million communications contract between the Philippine National Police and Motorola Philippines Inc. in 1998.

According to state lawyers, such a cancellation resulted in a $55-million loss for the government.

Yesterday, Puno personally went to the Sandiganbayan to post a P30,000 bail. His case was assigned to the anti-graft court's fourth division headed by Associate Justice Narciso Nario.

In requesting his removal from the UN post, Puno also said he has to shield himself against Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who vowed to continue with her criticisms.

For starters, Santiago asked the President to withdraw Puno's nomination before the CA.

Feeling that he is being attacked on all fronts, the former interior chief decided to quit even before the appointments body could start its deliberations.

Zamora said Puno's decision came apparently after Puno looked at all the possible consequences of his actions.

"This is a decision of somebody who has looked at all the possible consequences and ramifications of his decision," Zamora said.

"We will respect Puno's decision," he added.

With Puno relinquishing his post, Zamora said they are now looking for a replacement.

Senate President Blas Ople said the President may reinstate Ambassador Felipe Mabilangan, who has been the country's permanent ambassador to the UN for the past six years.

Following Ople's call, the Department of Foreign Affairs lifted its recall order to Mabilangan.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr. said the UN post is too significant to be left vacant for sometime. --