Aquino urged to appoint new DOH, PNP chiefs

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino should appoint a permanent Department of Health (DOH) secretary and chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III said yesterday.

Albano said the appointment of permanent DOH and PNP chiefs would enable the appointees to act freely on problems in their respective agencies.

“There are things that an appointee in an acting capacity or an officer-in-charge (OIC) cannot do that a permanent appointee can do without legal complications,” he said.

He said as far as he knew, an acting secretary or OIC cannot appoint or dismiss people or sign contracts.

“Their acts could be questioned in case they do these. They might face legal cases,” he added.

He noted that Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina has told reporters that as PNP OIC, he could not appoint or move people.

Aquino has accepted the resignation of Director General Alan Purisima as PNP chief, but has not appointed his replacement. Purisima continues to hold his rank and remains with the PNP until his retirement later this year.

Albano pointed out that in the case of the PNP, the appointment of a permanent chief would reduce demoralization in the ranks caused by the killing of 44 policemen in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25.

The President has appointed former Iloilo congresswoman Janette Garin as acting DOH secretary when Enrique Ona resigned a few months ago.

Albano said unlike the DOH and PNP, the situation is different with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Commission on Audit (COA), which are collegial bodies.

With the retirement of chairman Sixto Brillantes and two commissioners, the Comelec still has four commissioners who can decide for the poll body, he said.

On the other hand, the COA still has two commissioners despite the retirement of chairperson Grace Pulido Tan.

Albano earlier supported Garin’s appointment as Ona’s replacement.