Noy’s decision to let Mar go politically correct – lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino’s decision to let go of Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II was “politically correct” and could put to rest all fears that his continued stay would be used to further his presidential bid in the 2016 elections, a lawmaker said yesterday.

Isabela Rep. Rodito Albano III said the resignation of Roxas would enable Aquino to look for a suitable replacement to ensure continuity in the implementation of programs and projects for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“President Aquino’s change of heart to finally let go of Secretary Mar Roxas is a sensible move not only to allow Roxas to prepare for 2016 presidential elections but to also ensure that continuity in the implementation of projects for the DILG and the PNP would not be tainted by accusations of politicking and abuse of power and authority as presidential bets gear up for the 2016 elections,” Albano said in a statement.

Albano also welcomed the imminent takeover of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. as acting head of the DILG while Malacañang searches for a permanent replacement. ?

He said by appointing a permanent DILG head, Aquino will be able to provide focus and direction to the department in the last nine months of the administration and ward off undue criticisms, considering that local government units and the PNP under the DILG are crucial institutions at the frontline in ensuring open, free and orderly elections.

This early, the Sulu political leadership assured Roxas a sure win in the province.

“We can make Mar Roxas win in our province,” said Sulu Vice Gov. Abdusakur Tan.

Tan said the straight path advocacy of the Aquino administration, which will be carried on by Roxas, has brought more development in Sulu.

Tan also expressed the belief that development and addressing poverty issues would be keys to solving the problem of terrorism spawned by the Abu Sayyaf in the province. – With Roel Pareño