Lawmakers express high hopes for new acting Justice Secretary
MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers on Monday expressed high hopes for Solicitor-General Agnes Devanadera’ upcoming stint as acting Justice Secretary after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo named her as the replacement of Raul Gonzalez, who will be moving to Malacañang.
Devanadera is a “good choice," senior deputy minority leader and Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez said, adding that he was able to work with her during his stint as National Security Adviser.
"Very hard-working, tough-minded, and has a good touch for people," Golez said, noting that Devanadera once served as a small-town mayor in Quezon province.
Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño said Gonzalez's departure from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and appointment as chief presidential legal counsel was "long overdue" and "very much welcome."
"I hope that his replacement will take to heart the Supreme Court admonition for the DOJ not to be prostituted for partisan political ends," he said in a text message to reporters.
Devanadera was named acting Justice Secretary effective Monday, June 8.
She is expected to continue being the Philippines’ Solicitor-General until her replacement would be named, deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said.
Devanadera already held the position from September to November 2007 when Gonzalez went on medical leave.
From September 2004 to March 2007, Devanadera headed the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel. From April 2003 to August 2004, she served as undersecretary for legal and legislative affairs of the Department of Interior and Local Government.
She also served as a member of the board of trustees of the Local Government Academy from October 2002 to March 2003.
Besides being a former mayor of Sampaloc, Quezon, Devanadera was also a former chairperson and president of the Philippine Development Alternatives Foundation Inc.
Previously, she also was a consultant of the Philippine National Oil Corporation-Energy Development Corporation.
Meanwhile, during his stint as Justice chief, Gonzalez drew flak for his controversial comments on several issues, including the controversial pardon for convicted murderer Claudio Teehankee Jr. wherein he told victim Maureen Hultman's family to file their complaints before Jesus Christ.
Malacañang also dismissed reports that Gonzalez was being removed because of his previous position regarding the suicide of broadcaster Ted Failon’s wife and the Dacer-Corbito murder case.
Gonzalez was appointed chief presidential legal counsel last June 4.
He is expected to replace former chief presidential legal counsel Jesus Dureza who has yet to be appointed to another position involving Mindanao affairs.
Gonzalez sought a “less stressful" position because besides planning to run for mayor of Iloilo, he wants to attend to a sick son, 38-year old Jose Mari, who is reportedly suffering from cerebral palsy.
Gonzalez plans to bring his second son to Lourdes in France, deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said, citing Gonzalez.
For his part, Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon said other Cabinet officials who have signified their intentions to run for an elective position in 2010 should follow Gonzalez' example. - With Johanna Camille L. Sisante, GMANews.TV
Devanadera is a “good choice," senior deputy minority leader and Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez said, adding that he was able to work with her during his stint as National Security Adviser.
"Very hard-working, tough-minded, and has a good touch for people," Golez said, noting that Devanadera once served as a small-town mayor in Quezon province.
Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño said Gonzalez's departure from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and appointment as chief presidential legal counsel was "long overdue" and "very much welcome."
"I hope that his replacement will take to heart the Supreme Court admonition for the DOJ not to be prostituted for partisan political ends," he said in a text message to reporters.
Devanadera was named acting Justice Secretary effective Monday, June 8.
She is expected to continue being the Philippines’ Solicitor-General until her replacement would be named, deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said.
Devanadera already held the position from September to November 2007 when Gonzalez went on medical leave.
From September 2004 to March 2007, Devanadera headed the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel. From April 2003 to August 2004, she served as undersecretary for legal and legislative affairs of the Department of Interior and Local Government.
She also served as a member of the board of trustees of the Local Government Academy from October 2002 to March 2003.
Besides being a former mayor of Sampaloc, Quezon, Devanadera was also a former chairperson and president of the Philippine Development Alternatives Foundation Inc.
Previously, she also was a consultant of the Philippine National Oil Corporation-Energy Development Corporation.
Meanwhile, during his stint as Justice chief, Gonzalez drew flak for his controversial comments on several issues, including the controversial pardon for convicted murderer Claudio Teehankee Jr. wherein he told victim Maureen Hultman's family to file their complaints before Jesus Christ.
Malacañang also dismissed reports that Gonzalez was being removed because of his previous position regarding the suicide of broadcaster Ted Failon’s wife and the Dacer-Corbito murder case.
Gonzalez was appointed chief presidential legal counsel last June 4.
He is expected to replace former chief presidential legal counsel Jesus Dureza who has yet to be appointed to another position involving Mindanao affairs.
Gonzalez sought a “less stressful" position because besides planning to run for mayor of Iloilo, he wants to attend to a sick son, 38-year old Jose Mari, who is reportedly suffering from cerebral palsy.
Gonzalez plans to bring his second son to Lourdes in France, deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said, citing Gonzalez.
For his part, Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon said other Cabinet officials who have signified their intentions to run for an elective position in 2010 should follow Gonzalez' example. - With Johanna Camille L. Sisante, GMANews.TV
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