Aquino ready to let Roxas go

Video by Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday said it is time for Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II to leave the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“Ngayon bababa na sa pwesto si Secretary Mar upang hindi mahaluan ng pulitika ang pagpapakitang gilas ng DILG at ng ating PNP (Philippine National Police),” he said during the 114th Police Service Anniversary at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

(Secretary Mar is about to step down from office to avoid adding political color to the good performance of the DILG and the PNP.)

“Tiwala tayong malalim na ang ugat ng ipinunla n’yang reporma na tiyak na yayabong tungo sa higit na pagpapalakas ng ating kapulisan,” he added.

(We are confident that the seeds of reform that he planted will flourish to further fortify our police.)

Last week, Aquino endorsed Roxas as the Liberal Party’s presidential bet for the 2016 elections.

The Secretary immediately filed his resignation but reports said Aquino wanted him to stay a little longer. It is not clear when his resignation will be deemed effective.

READ:  Roxas formally resigns as DILG secretary | Roxas bids goodbye but President says: Not yet

In his 13-minute speech, the President thanked Roxas for dutifully taking on the role that the late Jesse Robredo had left when he died in a helicopter crash in 2012.

He described Roxas’ leadership as “huwaran” or exemplary.

“Palagay ko kayo na rin ang sasang ayon sa mahusay na pagittimon sa ating pambansang polisya pati na rin sa Bureau Fire Protection at Bureau of Jail Management and Penology,” he told the 500 or so police and government officers present at the event.

(I believe you will agree in the good leadership of our national police and the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.)

He said it was clear that Roxas was able to continue Robredo’s “good initiatives” and had served as a “bridge” to ensure the implementation of reforms in the police force. IDL