New DILG secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento. FILE PHOTO
Newly-appointed Interior and Local Government secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento vowed on Tuesday to use the full force of the law to go after people and groups using his name to extort and to protect illegal gambling rackets.
This was after Sarmiento, who had just assumed office last September 11, received persistent reports that certain individuals and groups are using his name to demand protection money from syndicates involved particularly in “jueteng” or illegal number scheme.
In a statement, the former lawmaker said he would “never allow anyone to tarnish his good name.”
To investigate the reports, Sarmiento tapped the Philippine National Police, through its chief Director General Ricardo Marquez, to arrest persons who will be found using the secretary’s name for financial gains.
“I will never allow anyone to represent me or my office to extort or demand protection money from jueteng and other vices. I intend to keep my good name now and for the rest of my life as a public servant,” Sarmiento said.
On Tuesday, the Commission on Appointments confirmed Sarmiento’s designation as the DILG head without any oppositions from the board.
Sarmiento replaced Mar Roxas, who is now the standard-bearer of the ruling Liberal Party in the 2016 elections.
Sarmiento also directed the PNP chief to intensify the police’s anti-illegal gambling operations nationwide.
This was to address reports of increased jueteng activities “to raise funds” for the upcoming local and national elections. Julliane Love de Jesus/JE