Undersecretary Puno still with DILG, says spokesman

MANILA, Philippines—Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesman and office of public affairs director, Attorney Ariel Tanangonan on Tuesday said DILG Undersecretary Rico Puno is technically part of DILG as there has not been any official note on his status.

In an interview with anchors Susan K, Den Macaranas and Captain Dylan Halili of “Good Morning Inquirer” on Radio Inquirer 990AM, Tanangonan said they presume that Puno is an undersecretary of DILG based on the absence of official documents saying otherwise.

“As far as DILG is concerned wala pa kaming official information as kung ano yung status,” he said.

DILG Undersecretary Rico Puno. INQUIRER file photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta

Newly appointed Interior Secretary Mar Roxas earlier said Puno will be removed from DILG to be reinstated to another office, but outside DILG, citing President Benigno Aquino III’s appointment orders which say that Roxas has a free mandate to choose his team.

Controversy covered Puno’s appointment at the DILG after it was learned that he was given control of the Philippine National Police, instead of then acting DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo before the August 2010 Manila hostage crisis.

For the full interview, listen to the attached audio clip from Radyo Inquirer 990AM.