Padaca: Roxas won’t use DILG post to advance political career

MANILA, Philippines – Former Isabela Governor Grace Padaca believes that incoming Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas will not use his position to increase his chances of winning in the 2016 polls.

In an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM on Monday, Padaca said that she felt that Roxas did not use his position as then chief of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to gain advantage over other politicians in the next election.

She defended Roxas’ appointment as chief of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), saying this was something Roxas did not see coming.

Roxas has been chosen by President Benigno Aquino III to lead the DILG and made the announcement a few days after the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo was laid to rest.

“Hindi naman niya choice ang pagkakaappoint niya (The appointment [to DILG] was not Roxas’s choice),” maintained Padaca.

Despite being known more for his work as a lawmaker and chief of the DOTC, Padaca said that she was confident that Roxas will step up to the challenge of leading the DILG. “Kahit anong bagay na ihamon (kay Secretary Roxas), he will step up (Whatever challenge is hurled to him, Roxas will step up).”

“The guy has just been appointed last Friday. Tingnan muna natin ang gagawin niya (Let’s wait what he’ll do first),” added Padaca.

For more of the interview, listen to Radyo Inquirer 990AM.