Puno’s resignation seen as damage control for Aquino administration

MANILA, Philippines – A lawmaker on Tuesday said that the sudden resignation of Interior Undersecretary Rico Puno was “damage control” for the Aquino administration.

Zambales Representative Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay said that the resignation may have been the only way out of the Senate inquiry on him.

Puno was seen as a liability by Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares who said that his resignation was a good development.

Puno was summoned to a Senate probe on Friday for his alleged involvement with the illegal numbers game ‘jueteng’, anomalous arms deals, and his visit to the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo’s condominium to supposedly secure sensitive documents.

Akbayan Representative Walden Bello said that it might be better for Puno to take the opportunity and rest or stick to the private sector instead given that he has been tagged in so much controversies.

And although House minority leader Danilo Suarez agreed that Puno’s resignation would benefit the administration and incoming Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas’ assumption of office, he said that he did not think Puno had committed anything wrong.