Palace mum on Roxas-Romualdez tiff

President Aquino (right clockwise) on Sunday meets with Interior Secretary Mar Roxas (second right) and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez (in bright orange shirt) and other local officials to discuss alternative measures to hasten relief operations in and rehabilitation of Tacloban and other areas of Leyte devastated by Supertyphoon “Yolanda.” FILE PHOTO/MALACACANG PHOTO BUREAU

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Tuesday kept mum on the issue between Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas III but said proper accountability process will take place.

“It is better to focus now on relief efforts and rehabilitation. There is time for accountability,” said Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on a televised press conference Monday.

Coloma said the national government including Local Government Units (LGUs) has a big responsibility in the rehabilitation of Visayas. “Relief and rehabilitation is our priority now,” said Coloma.

Asked if Roxas as Interior Secretary would be also included in the probe, Coloma said there is no need to isolate particular officials.

“Accountability is embedded with responsibility. Accountability process will take place. At the proper time, this will be set in motion,” said Coloma. He added that all public officials would be subjected to public scrutiny.

Asked about President Benigno Aquino III taking swipe at other local executives regarding typhoon preparations, Coloma said: “It is a fair commentary.”

Coloma said the President for now is busy spearheading the relief and rehabilitation efforts of the government referring to Aquino as “team” captain.”

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