Video by Noy Morcoso
After a tearful farewell to employees of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), presidential-anointed Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said he would meet with President Benigno Aquino III Monday afternoon to hand in his resignation.
Coming from saying goodbye to officers and members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame, Roxas went to the DILG-Napolcom Center in Quezon City to address employees and officials of the DILG, the Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
READ: Mar Roxas says ‘Goodbye’ to PNP
Roxas turned emotional while delivering a brief message.
“We’ve gone through so many trials and challenges and I want you to know that I am proud to be part of you,” Roxas said, his voice breaking.
Members of the DILG chorale then sang “Handong” and “Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin” for Roxas.
As Roxas broke in tears, some employees were also seen crying.
Earlier, he said, “I will meet with the President later this afternoon” to tender his resignation as DILG chief but added that it would still be up to the President to accept or reject it.
“Nasa Pangulo na yon pero unti-unti ay itu-turn over ko na (ang puwesto),” (That’s up to the President but I will already start turning over the post) Roxas said, adding “Kung ano na lang ang ipapatapos ng Pangulo ay doon na lang ako magpo-focus.” (I will just focus on what the President want’s finished.)
In a press conference after the 111th anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the President he would ask Roxas to put his resignation on hold, saying much work still had to be finished.
BACKSTORY: Aquino asks Roxas: Don’t quit just yet
In another chance interview, he said recommendations—though informal—have been made for his replacement in the agency.
“Wala namang pormal na rekomendasyon,” (There is still no formal recommendation) Roxas said, saying he and Aquino talked on Saturday during the 6th death anniversary of President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino.
“Let’s wait for the President’s decision,” he added.
Earlier Monday, Roxas attended the traditional flag-raising at the PNP headquarters and bade farewell to the 160,000-strong force.
“Mga kasama, gagamitin ko ang pagkakataon itong upang magpaalam na muna sa inyong lahat. Dapat ko munang ipaubaya ang pamumuno sa iba,” (My friends, allow me to say goodbye to all of you, for now. I have to let others lead you in the meantime) Roxas said, addressing hundreds of lawmen.
Roxas said goodbye after President Benigno Aquino III announced in a “gathering of friends” last week, July 31, that he was endorsing the DILG secretary as the candidate of the Liberal Party for president in 2016.
Almost immediately after, calls were aired for Roxas to resign as head of the interior department to prevent him from using the position for his presidential ambition.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the PNP, it has been my pleasure and a great honor to serve you. I give you my snappy salute. Maraming, maraming salamat po (Thank you very much), carry on,” he ended.
“We’ve gone through so many trials and challenges and I want you to know that I am proud to be part of you,” Roxas said.
While in Crame, Roxas handed out special service medals to policemen involved in providing security during the President’s State of the Nation Address last July 27.
Newly-appointed National Capital Region Police Office head Chief Superintendent Joel Pagdilao, Chief Superintendent Allen Bantolo and Chief Superintendent Ramon Apolinario were awarded with the Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod.
Meanwhile, the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting was awarded to PO2 Leif Abuton and PO2 Joel Lagahit.