‘Criticisms vs Sim counter-productive’

Criticisms against Justice Secretary-designate Simeon Datumanong are counter-productive and he should instead be given a chance to prove himself, Malacañang said yesterday.

In defending the appointment, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said Datumanong enjoys a high degree of trust and confidence from President Arroyo, who had "the bigger picture" in mind when she appointed him.

"(The criticisms) are counter-productive and is exactly the mindset or attitude President Arroyo would wish us to transcend," Bunye said.

He urged Datumanong’s critics to give him "a chance to buckle down to work and prove himself instead of criticizing him before he has even started."

Bunye reacted to reports that the Integrated Bar of the Philippines has criticized the appointment of Datumanong as justice secretary, saying he is virtually unknown in legal circles.

He said Datumanong is not only a lawyer but also has managerial expertise, which is important for anyone heading the Department of Justice (DOJ).

He also said that Datumanong was well-respected by his peers in the House of Representatives when he was still a congressman, and was even elected deputy speaker for Mindanao.

For his part, Datumanong said that when he was appointed as public works and highways secretary in early 2001, he was "practically misplaced" because he is a lawyer. Despite this, he said he was able to do something to improve the department.

"The President knows better, since she gave me the honor of going to DOJ. I should do everything to help her, the administration and the government," he said in a radio interview.

Datumanong added that whether his new appointment is a demotion or a promotion, "if that is where the President feels I can be of greater service to the people... then I consider it a privilege and an honor."

Datumanong’s appointment was hailed by Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri, who said that it was the first time a "non-Makati lawyer" was named DOJ chief.

Zubiri said those who regard Datumanong as soft on criminals are mistaken.

"You can’t survive politics in Maguindanao for 40 years if you are soft or indecisive," he said.

Some congressmen claimed that Datumanong, having been ineffective as public works and highways secretary, should not have been given another job.

Meanwhile, other congressmen said the best person for the top post at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), vacated by Datumanong, is Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Teodoro Encarnacion.

Valenzuela Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo said Encarnacion "is the best qualified to succeed his boss. He is known for his honesty, integrity and extensive knowledge of the operations of the DPWH."

The post of DPWH chief has been offered to Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando, who is reportedly hesitant to take it, saying he has yet to fully prove himself at the MMDA.

House sources said Fernando may encounter trouble with the Commission on Appointments.

They said a question of conflict may arise since Fernando’s family owns BF Construction, a large construction and equipment-leasing firm.

He could also face grilling on a Commission on Audit report recommending the filing of charges against him with the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged misuse of funds while he was Marikina City mayor, the sources added.

Leyte Rep. Ted Failon urged the President to appoint a career official to succeed Datumanong to "boost the morale of those in the bureaucracy."

It would also "depoliticize" appointments, Failon added.

Asked about Gunigundo’s endorsement of Encarnacion, Failon said he would support it.

"I’ve heard a lot about his honesty, integrity and dedication to duty," Failon said.

Encarnacion’s appointment was also endorsed by Aber Canlas, a long-time DPWH undersecretary who once held the top post in an acting capacity.

"He has more than 30 years of honest and dedicated service behind him. He is the most qualified and the most knowledgeable," Canlas said when reached by The STAR for comment. — Paolo Romero, Jess Diaz