More support for Reyes, Atienza appointments

Former trade secretary Jose Concepcion Jr. believes newly appointed Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes would do a good job in his current post.    

In a statement, Concepcion said that although he lamented the departure of Reyes from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources considering his impressive achievements there, he believes Reyes is a perfect DOE secretary “because of his demonstrated management ability, problem-solving skills and consensus-building aptitude.”

“Reyes has been very successful in accomplishing the agenda of the administration in the many positions which he held after he retired as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Concepcion said

Reyes was first assigned as secretary of the Department of National Defense. He also headed the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force and the National Anti-Smuggling Task Force before getting appointed as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and DENR.

“While enhancing our environment and protecting our natural resources are never-ending tasks, I believe that Secretary Reyes will likewise be successful in the energy sector where there is an acute need to find new sources of energy to make us less dependent on imported fuel,” Concepcion said.

Meanwhile, opposition metro mayors supported the appointment of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza, outgoing president of the Metro Mayors League, as secretary of the DENR.

In a meeting conducted by the Metro Mayors League over the weekend, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who beat Atienza’s son Ali in the mayoralty race in the May elections, wished Atienza the best in his new job.      

Lim added he would continue implementing the programs of Atienza.

“In a general sense, I will continue all the projects that would bring progress and benefit to Manila and its residents. I will replace those programs that would not benefit Manila and its residents” Lim said.

Navotas Mayor Tobby Tiangco said Atienza’s appointment is a welcome development as there will be easy coordination on matters concerning the environment. – Perseus Echeminada, Jose Rodel Clapano