Robredo blocks revamp of fire, jail bureaus

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo blocked the revamp in the fire and jail bureaus approved while he was abroad on an official trip.

In his memorandum dated June 24, Robredo pointed out that his undersecretaries – Austere Panadero for local government and Rico Puno for public order – have limited authority when they are acting as “officers-in-charge” or OICs.

Robredo, however, clarified that he did not censure his undersecretaries but merely clarified the authority of an OIC. Although it was Puno who reportedly approved the transfer, the memo was not specifically addressed to him but to Panadero as well.

“Not true. Just clarified authority of OIC,” Robredo told The STAR when asked about censuring his undersecretaries.

With the memo, Robredo said the transfer approved by the undersecretaries will be “on status quo until cleared with me.”

Robredo was in Bangkok, Thailand from June 21 to 22 for an official trip.

Sources from the Bureau of Fire Protection said Robredo recalled the transfer of a still undetermined number of BFP officials and personnel, which was reportedly approved by Puno.

“The memo pointed out the limited their authority as (undersecretaries) when the DILG secretary was on leave. (They) are not allowed to implement revamp, appoint, hired, fire, suspend or transfer DILG personnel and can’t sign contracts unless very necessary,” said the source.

During the early days of Robredo and Puno in the DILG, Puno claimed he directly reported to President Aquino, thus virtually bypassing Robredo.

However, after the bloody hostage-taking in Rizal Park on Aug. 23, 2010, the “setup” was made public, prompting the President to clarify Puno’s instructions.

Recently, the President said Robredo will stay as a member of his Cabinet since the DILG secretary has been very effective in his job. Robredo’s name has been submitted to the Commission on Appointments for approval.