Group asks Soliman to quit post

MANILA, Philippines - Fisherfolk group Pamalakaya on Thursday asked Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman to quit her post two days after victims of typhoon Pablo ransacked the DSWD's regional office in Davao City. 

Pamalakaya vice chairperson Salvador France said the incident in DSWD Region XI office in Davao City only showed that Soliman has been neglecting the welfare and plight of the people.

"We express our collective sentiment and legitimate mandate to demand the ouster of Secretary Soliman as DSWD Secretary...Her statement of public service is bereft of truth," France said.

France said Soliman should leave her office for betraying the people's legitimate demand for prompt and sustainable relief and rehabilitation.

"The extreme poverty and hunger suffered by the victims of typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental is being exploited by the DSWD Secretary to advance the electoral campaign of the Aquino backed candidates in the May 2013 elections," he added.

He also noted Soliman's appointment  to DSWD was rejected thrice by the Commission on Appointment and the incident that took place in DSWD regional official should have made her realized that she is not doing her job for public interest.

"It is about time for Secretary Soliman to say goodbye and quit from clinging to her post...Her resignation as DSWD chief is a political necessity,"  France said. 

Pamalakaya and allied groups asked the Department of Justice to probe Soliman for allegedly withholding 10,000 sacks of rice intended to relief thousands of victims of typhoon Pablo. - Dennis Carcamo