LP stalwart named DILG chief

MANILA, Philippines - The president-on-leave of the ruling Liberal Party will be replaced by the LP secretary general as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

President Aquino announced yesterday the appointment of Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento as the new DILG chief, replacing Manuel Roxas II, the administration’s standard bearer in the 2016 polls.

Aquino did not specify when Sarmiento would actually take over the post. The new DILG chief must be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments.

Sarmiento had been reported to be one of the candidates for the top DILG post after Roxas resigned on Aug. 3 to prepare for his presidential bid. The filing of certificates of candidacy is from Oct. 12 to 16.

Aquino, who endorsed Roxas on July 31, did not allow the outgoing DILG chief to leave immediately, ostensibly to ensure a smooth transition.

Aquino said he offered the job to Sarmiento and “the transition is being worked out so that he is not thrown into the deep end right away.”

Roxas, for his part, welcomed the appointment of Sarmiento.

“Great choice. He’ll do a great job. He has the integrity, competence and experience,” Roxas said.

Administration lawmakers backed Sarmiento’s appointment, saying his credentials make him fit for the job.

“He was formerly a local executive and I’m sure he can easily and readily handle the job,” Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II said.

Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. said the DILG is in “very good hands” with Sarmiento at the helm.

Sarmiento, however, was not immediately available for comment.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone welcomed the news, saying Region 8 will be represented in the Cabinet.

Sarmiento served as mayor of Calbayog City for nine years before he was elected to Congress in 2010.

He was also the secretary general of the League of Cities of the Philippines for six years during his term as Calbayog City mayor.

Sarmiento is currently head of the House contingent to the Commission on Appointments, and vice chairman of the committees on public order and safety, and national defense and security.

Roxas, on the other hand, headed the DILG since 2012, after Jesse Robredo died in a plane crash. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Paolo Romero