Mendoza: I won’t fail you at DOTC

Amid criticisms of his new appointment, outgoing Philippine National Police chief Director General Leandro Mendoza vowed yesterday he will not fail the people as secretary of transportation and communications.

"This is another challenge to serve this government in the best way I can, and I promise them I won’t fail them, including the public and President Arroyo who put her trust and confidence in me, that I can perform well in my newly assigned task," he said.

Mendoza said he has asked Congress to give him a chance to implement changes at the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

He said he will take into consideration the welfare of DOTC personnel when he effects the changes, just as he did at the PNP.

"I have been doing a lot of reading and studying these past days" in the fields of transportation and communications, he said.

Mendoza is expected to assume office at the DOTC on July 3.

Tarlac Rep. Gilberto Teo-doro said Mendoza’s appointment to the DOTC should be respected because Cabinet secretaries are the President’s alter ego.

"Secretary Mendoza brings to the position a record of competence and reputation for integrity," Teodoro said. "His able leadership of an organization as large and complex as the Philippine National Police where he implemented changes and reforms will be put to good use at the DOTC."

Teodoro said Mendoza is the right man for the job in view of the many challenges confronting the transportation and communications department.

"As former PNP chief, General Mendoza implemented projects and programs, including the PNP’s modernization thrusts which made it a more responsive, effective and efficient police organization," he said.

"With his organizational and administrative skills, I believe Secretary Mendoza will be able to help fast-track the present administration’s development agenda."

On the other hand, Pangasinan Rep. Amado Espinosa Jr. said the President has "found a gem" in Mendoza as DOTC secretary.

"It’s about time that we regard the officers and men in uniform with great respect because they are not only experts in their field of profession but are also equipped with the best scholastic and advanced military training for them to excel in whatever mission they are tasked to do," he said.

Other Pangasinan officials supporting Mendoza’s appointment are: Binalonan town Mayor Ramon Guico who is also president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Vice Gov. Oscar Lambino, and provincial board members Emmanuel Carancho and Roberto Eskimo Estrella.

Meanwhile, Director Clyde Fernandez, chief of the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime, is expected to be named deputy director for administration when Deputy Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. becomes PNP chief.

It is not known if Ebdane will remain chief of the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force (NAKTAF).

Deputy Director General Rex Piad, chief of the PNP directorial staff, may be replaced by Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay, Metro Manila police commander, or by Director Lucas Managuelod, chief of the Directorate for Investigation and Detection Management.

Piad is set to retire in September.