Govs to Duterte: Remain as RPOC chairman

DAVAO CITY – Three of the four governors in Southern Mindanao have asked Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider his decision to resign as chairman of the regional peace and order council (RPOC).

Duterte earlier said he was stepping down as RPOC chairman so he could take a break and enjoy his accumulated 150 days of leave credits.

“I really do not know why he is resigning but I hope he would reconsider his decision,” Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon told The STAR.

Malanyaon said she finds Duterte as the one very capable of leading the RPOC. “He is really the appropriate man for the job,” she said.

Compostela Valley Gov. Arthur Uy also expressed hope that Duterte would change his mind. “We will try to talk him into reconsidering,” he said.

Uy said he hopes that Malacañang would also exert effort to convince Duterte to remain as RPOC chairman.

“I believe Malacañang would also talk to him. They need Duterte here as RPOC head,” Uy said.

Davao del Sur Gov. Douglas Cagas was also reported to have expressed surprise at Duterte’s resignation, saying nobody could replace him for the post.

However, Duterte said there is nothing that could change his mind. “I am sticking to my word that I am resigning,” he said.

He said he has been RPOC chairman for more than 16 years. “It is about time that somebody new should assume the post,” he said.

“I am one person who does not take back his word even if it would bring me down, raise me up, put me in shame, make me famous or infamous. I would not back down on what I have publicly spoken about. To me, it is always a question of honor,” he said.

Since he tendered his irrevocable resignation as RPOC chairman last Monday, Duterte said he has not received any call from Mala­cañang or any high-ranking government officials regarding the matter.

“But still, even if they call, I wouldn’t change my mind. I have stepped down already,” he said.

Chief Superintendent Andres Caro II, Southern Mindanao police director, is expected to chair the RPOC while waiting for Duterte’s replacement to be named.

But Caro said he could not convene the RPOC unless Duterte’s resignation is approved by Interior and Local Government Ronaldo Puno, head of the National Peace and Order Council.

“As provided by law, once Duterte’s resignation is approved, it would only be the time when the RPOC can be convened and recommend as a body who it thinks should replace the mayor,” he said.

Uy, Cagas, Malanyaon and Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario of Davao del Norte are the possible choices.