Sen. Pangilinan to LTO chief: Stop issuing self-serving statements

MANILA, Philippines—Senator Francis Pangilinan has advised the beleaguered chief of the Land Transportation Office to refrain from making “self-serving” statements, which would only further pull down President Benigno Aquino III.

Pangilinan made the remark on Tuesday following LTO chief Virginina Torres’ refusal to resign, saying doing so would just be an “insult” to the government.

“It’s best for her to refrain from making self-serving statements because it doesn’t help the Aquino government any,” he said in a text message.

“Lalo lang nadidiin si Presidente kapag ganito ang asta ng kanyang mga tauhan [All the more that the President gets into trouble if his people behave like this],” the senator added.

Torres, who has been accused of favoring a group in the Stradcom’s dispute, returned to work after she was forced to take a leave for two months while she was being investigated.

Last week, Senator Franklin Drilon also called on all political appointees to just leave their posts should they become a burden to the President.

Drilon specifically called on Torres to help the President without categorically asking for her resignation.

Pangilinan and Drilon are both allied with the administration.