Puno's resignation as DILG chief sought amid VP ambition

MANILA, Philippines – Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno should resign from his post amid his announcement to run for vice president in the 2010 elections. This was according to Senator Manuel “Mar" Roxas II, who said as DILG chief, Puno has total control over local government units and even the national police force. “Kung totoo na ito ang kanyang balak, nararapat siguro na magbitiw na siya or magsabi na siya kung anong plano niya… kelan siya magbibitiw sa kanyang tungkulin," Roxas said in chance interview Wednesday. [If it is true that he plans to run for vice president, then he should resign or at least state when will he be resigning.] Puno on Tuesday announced his goals to run for the second highest position in the land next year and hoped that the administration would support him. Asked if his appeal for Puno’s resignation is based on the fear that the latter might use his position to advance his political ambition, Roxas replied, “Exactly." “Napakaselan ng kanyang tungkulin bilang secretary ng DILG. Lahat ng mayors, governors, local government officials ay nagrereport sa kanya. Siya ang sumusubaybay sa kanila. Ang laki ng budget ng intelligence ng Philippine National Police," he said. [He is holding a very sensitive post as a DILG secretary. All the mayors, governors and local government officials report to him. He is the one overseeing them. Add to that the huge budget of the PNP for intelligence.] - Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV