No need for DAR chief to leave post - Remonde

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman may remain at his post while the Department of Justice investigates an alleged mauling incident involving him and his son at a golf club in Antipolo City last Dec. 26.

Presidential Management Staff director general Cerge Remonde said Pangandaman is innocent until proven guilty, and that unless any evidence of wrongdoing emerges, he would remain a member of the President’s Cabinet.

“The President has ordered a full-fledged investigation into the matter and pending the result of the investigation, I think we have to give Secretary Nasser Pangandaman the benefit of the doubt,” Remonde said in an interview with dzRB.

Remonde heads the so-called committee of peers in Malacañang which is tasked to review cases and complaints lodged against members of the Cabinet.

The committee of peers, after reviewing a complaint, may either sustain or ask the investigating body for reconsideration.

Pangandaman and his son and namesake Masiu, Lanao del Sur Mayor Nasser Jr. were the subject of a complaint lodged by businessman Delfin de la Paz and his son Bino Lorenzo in connection with the alleged mauling incident at the Valley Golf and Country Club in Antipolo City.

According to De la Paz, the younger Pangandaman and his bodyguards attacked him and his son after an altercation over golfing etiquette.

De la Paz said that although Secretary Pangandaman was not involved in the fracas, he said the official did not do anything to stop the melee.

The Pangandamans have denied the allegations of De la Paz and claimed it was the elder De la Paz who started the fight.

President Arroyo has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, which has sparked calls for the resignation of Pangandaman.