Malacañang on Saturday defended Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and President Benigno Aquino III amid criticisms that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) head is using government funds to fuel his early campaigning.
Roxas, who is the presidential bet of Aquino and the ruling Liberal Party, has tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to the President. He has even said farewell to DILG employees last August 3.
READ: Roxas in tears saying goodbye to DILG folk; to resign Monday
Aquino reportedly asked him to stay on to ensure that DILG projects would continue as the agency transitions to a new leadership.
READ: Roxas to resign; eyes transition already — Palace
Roxas’ replacement has yet to be named.
“It’s really a matter of preparing the transition, which, by the way is what they are doing already,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said over state-run Radyo ng Bayan.
“It’s important that because of the number of service-oriented and service-related programs that are under the DILG, it is important that a smooth transition be effected, so as not to affect the delivery of these basic services,” she explained.
Just this week, Roxas went to Cebu, Bukidnon and Davao City to attend events, both as interior secretary and LP standard bearer.
Cabinet not solid
Valte also acknowledged that not all Cabinet members are supportive of Roxas.
Earlier, Education Secretary Armin Luistro said he will not meddle in the 2016 elections, especially since his agency works closely with the Commission on Elections.
“That’s his own position, he made that clear. And I think people will understand also the position of Secretary Luistro. It’s out of propriety also,” Valte said in Filipino
“Of all the agencies in the executive, it’s really DepEd that is deeply involved in the elections. Because public school teachers (work in polling precincts),” she said.
However, she explained that like other Cabinet members, the education secretary, as an “alter ego of the President,” is allowed to campaign.
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