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Sueno denies abusing power, links 3 DILG execs to smear campaign


Secretary Ismael Sueno on Monday denied accusations that he is abusing his power and position as head of the Department of Interior and Local Government, and linked three of his underlings to the alleged smear campaign.

In a press statement, Sueno said he has never used his position to enrich himself or pursue his personal interests in his many years in public service.

“Mula noon hanggang ngayon, malakas ang adbokasiya ko laban sa corruption.  Pareho kami ng paniniwala at ng paninindigan ng Pangulong Duterte laban dito.  Kaya imposible ang mga akusasyon nila laban sa akin,” he said.

The allegations were contained in a confidential memorandum sent to President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly by the MRRD-NECC, or the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte - National Executive Coordinating Committee), a national volunteer organization that helped the former Davao City mayor get elected as president.

Sueno said the hotel in South Cotabato mentioned in the letter that belongs to him is actually owned by his younger brother who is a long-time businessman, and the trucks are owned by his daughter who is engaged in a trucking and rice business.

However, he admitted that the farm reported in the confidential letter belongs to him and that because of his flourishing duck business, he was able to improve the property.

Sueno also denied and called as preposterous claims that he is collecting grease money from illegal gambling rings through a certain Senior Supt. Sintin as he had always said no to illegal gambling since day one as Secretary of DILG.

3 Usecs

Sueno believes the letter was initiated by his three undersecretaries – John Castriciones, Jesus Hinlo, and Emily Padilla -- who were allegedly piqued because of their clipped powers under the new delegation of authority, which he issued last week.

He said the three were resentful because he had to reassign some of their workload and projects to other undersecretaries. He said nothing happened to the programs given to them and nothing much is moving in terms of accomplishments.

“Nakakalungkot lang kasi magkakasama kami sa MRRD-NECC. It appears that from the very start, they want my head and are out to discredit me because they want somebody else to head the department,” he said.

GMA News Online has sought the three DILG undersecretaries for their comment, but they have yet to issue a statement as of posting time.

Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III, meanwhile, said Sueno has already sent a memorandum asking the President to immediately terminate the appointments of the three undersecretaries for lost of confidence.

"For the white paper, since it's not an official verified statement or document, we would not want to comment on it as of now though Secretary Sueno already answered it in several media interviews earlier," he said in a text message to GMA News Online.

He added that Sueno and DILG are ready to answer all the issues raised in the letter.

Career officials

In his statement, Sueno defended Undersecretary Austere Panadero, Assistant Secretary Ester Aldana, and Head Executive Assistant Josephine Leysa, who were also mentioned in the letter, saying they are all career officials and have been serving the DILG for several years.

“Matagal na pong tapos ang eleksyon. Wala pong halong politika ang pagbibigay natin ng assignment sa mga opisyal.  Ang usapin po dito ay pagiging matino, mahusay at maaasahan,” he said.

Sueno said that the appointment of the three undersecretaries in the DILG were not initially welcomed by the DILG organic personnel because they were "bullying and pushing people around."

He said he gave them a chance to reform their ways considering that he does not want infighting within the organization.

Big lie

Sueno also said he never told the undersecretaries that their loyalty should be for him, and not for the President.

“This is a big lie.  My prayer has always been for God to make me humbler than I was yesterday.  I have always recognized the authority of the President and in the same way, I have encouraged my officials to do the same,” he said.

He added he does not cling to the position and, just like any other Cabinet official, serves at the pleasure of the President.

“Whatever the President’s decision may be, I believe that it will be a wise one,” he said.  —KBK, GMA News

Tags: dilg, ismaelsueno
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