Palace defends Lacson appointment as rehab czar

Rehabilitation czar Panfilo “Ping” Lacson. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Tuesday defended presidential assistant for rehabilitation and recovery (PARR) Panfilo Lacson following the Supreme Court’s order for him to answer a petition questioning the constitutionality of his post.

“The appointment of Secretary Lacson pursuant to MC No. 62 seeks to harmonize and unify multi-sector and multi-agency efforts to ensure effective and efficient implementation of plans and programs pursuant to the build-back-better principle,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said in a text message.

Memorandum Order no. 61 was issued by President Benigno Aquino III on December 6, 2013, appointing Lacson as PARR.

But the petition filed by Louis Biraogo claimed that the order violated Republic Act no. 10121, which created the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Biraogo said there was no need to create a new office under Lacson since it is the NDRRMC that undertakes post-disaster rehabilitation programs of the governments.

Nevertheless, Coloma said the “government remains focused on implementing the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Yolanda affected areas.”

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