Incoming DILG chief taking leave as LP sec gen

The incoming interior secretary, Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento, said Wednesday he would be taking a leave as secretary general of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) to eliminate suspicions of partisanship during next year’s elections.

“I will file for my leave from the party on Thursday,” Sarmiento said in a phone interview.

Sarmiento said he would also vacate his seat in the House of Representatives, with Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. or another House leader acting as caretaker of his district in an interim capacity.

He said he would perform his job without letting party considerations influence his decisions.

Sarmiento also noted also that during their stints as interior secretary, the late Jesse Robredo was the LP’s executive vice president, while Mar Roxas, who succeeded Robredo, was the party president.

Robredo and Roxas both took a leave from the LP following their appointment.—DJ Yap