Aquino: Gov’t position for Puno under consideration but not yet confirmed

A day after controversial Undersecretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government Rico Puno resigned, Aquino told reporters Wednesday that Puno may not entirely be out of government yet. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Bakas Parangal awarding ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Aquino hinted that despite Puno’s wish for a “nice and quiet job,” another post for the former undersecretary and shooting buddy of the President may be possible. “Well, sa ngayon, it’s under consideration pero walang confirmed,” Aquino said. The President added that whatever position Puno may receive, it will definitely not be in the DILG. Meanwhile, Aquino disputed reports that he has named Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome to the Undersecretary post, saying that whoever he earlier had in mind might not be ready when the president needs him. “Ang pagkakaintindi ko meron ho ‘nung pag-alis ko [papuntang Russia] pero pagbalik ko e nag-usap kaming muli at mukhang baka hindi siya magiging ready sa panahon na kakailanganin siya,” Aquino said.   Bartolome, who was at the same event, created a buzz among reporters when he showed up in civilian clothes. Other ranking PNP officials were in uniform. However, when pressed, Aquino stated that Bartolomehas not yet left the PNP. “Wala pa nga. Wala is wala,” Aquino said to questions if he was referring to Bartolome in his earlier statements of a possible successor to Puno. “There is no person there designated and I think Secretary [Mar] Roxas will be the right person to designate his undersecretaries,” Aquino reiterated. He also said it might take a while for undersecretaries to be appointed since Secretary-delegate Roxas is yet to officially assume the post. “Kailangan pang mag-assume si Secretary Roxas e bago siya mag-designate nitong mga tao niya,” Aquino said. — BM, GMA News