MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang yesterday said Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje and Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz were all appointed in an acting capacity so they would not have to be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments (CA).
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Robredo was appointed in an acting capacity from the beginning. Lacierda said he did not know why Paje and Baldoz were also appointed in an acting capacity.
Palace sources reportedly said Robredo was appointed in an acting capacity because President Aquino was not sure if he could handle the Philippine National Police (PNP).
It took Mr. Aquino a while to appoint an interior secretary and had to assume the portfolio himself before he appointed Robredo, whom sources said was considered for the position because of his achievements as a local government official, especially in resolving problems with informal settlers.
Mr. Aquino had said that during the hostage crisis, Interior Undersecretary Rico Puno was in charge of the police.
Robredo is one of the panelists in the incident investigation and review committee (IIRC) created by the President to look into the bungled hostage rescue operations last Aug. 23.
Lacierda said the Palace would let the investigation take its course.
“It has been a very credible investigation process and we will wait for their report for the conclusion and recommendations of the investigation committee,” he said.
Robredo had said he expects to have a difficult time getting his appointment confirmed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) especially now that the commission plans to grill him on his role in the failed police operation.
“Even before the crisis, I know I would have difficulty in the CA,” he said.
Robredo said some groups have opposed his efforts against illegal gambling.
He, however, welcomed Malacañang’s explanation of his appointment.
Earlier, Sen. Francis Escudero, a member of the 13-person Senate contingent in the commission, said they would ask Robredo about his role in the hostage-taking crisis that caused the lives of eight Chinese tourists.
Last Friday, the President took over control of the PNP after senior police officials admitted serious lapses were committed in the hostage crisis.
He said he is taking full responsibility for the failed rescue operation.
Administration and opposition lawmakers yesterday criticized Robredo for not taking full responsibility of the hostage-taking fiasco.
What should have been the hearing for the P86.9-billion budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) turned into a congressional inquiry.
Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas said as a member of the cabinet, Robredo should have taken responsibility for the failed police operation.
“It is the duty of the Cabinet to take the bullet for the President. So I’m hurting for the President that he has to take responsibility,”said Fariñas.
Zambales Rep. Milagros Magsaysay echoed Fariñas’ sentiment.
House Minority Leader Edcel Lagman insinuated to Robredo that he must resign from his post. “The President has said that heads will roll as an aftermath of the hostage-taking fiasco, Mr. Secretary, can you tell us whose heads must roll?” Lagman said.
Robredo skirted the question, saying the investigating panel he heads would determine who shall be held accountable for the incident.
Militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) has called for the revamp of leadership of the DILG and the PNP.
It also said Robredo should inhibit himself from the investigating panel to remove doubts on the outcome of the report. - with Cecile Suerte Felipe, Rhodina Villanueva, Paolo Romero