Agency as powerful as DILG should not be without leader for long – Gonzales

House majority leader Neptali Gonzales II. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — A government agency as powerful as the Department of the Interior and Local Government should not be without a leader for long, House majority leader Neptali Gonzales II said on Wednesday.

He told reporters that it would be best if President Benigno Aquino III would appoint a replacement for the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo as soon as he could.

Asked who should be appointed, Gonzales said that he felt that the position vacated by Robredo should go to a member of the ruling Liberal Party. Robredo was one of three Cabinet officials who came from the LP.

“It is but fitting that a Liberal Party member should be appointed to the post,” he said, pointing out that only three LP members have been named Cabinet officials: Robredo, Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas, and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.

Asked whether the post of Interior Secretary should go to Cavite Representative Joseph Emilio Abaya, he said “if you are asking me if Jun would be qualified, he’s qualified.”

“He’s already a third termer. I admire his administrative skills. We need the likes of Jesse Robredo who put work ahead of politics,” said Gonzales.

“I think Jun Abaya has those qualities (and the) capability. Although he is the secretary general of the Liberal Party but his character is like the character of Jesse Robredo–a silent worker,” he added.

Abaya has denied being “offered” the post of DILG chief. He however maintained that with his third term is nearing its close, he would be prepared to help the Aquino administration in any way he can in the future.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa was named as acting DILG chief after Robredo’s death.

The late DILG chief was killed in a plane crash in the waters off Masbate earlier this month.