DOTC's Abaya respects LTO chief Virginia Torres' decision to retire

Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya on Monday said he will not question Land Transportation Office head Virginia Torres' decision to retire by the end of the month.

 

At a press conference aired on GMA News TV's News TV Live, Abaya said he is not privy to whether Torres' retirement is related to the controversies hounding her.

 

"Sa akin naman, once a personal decision to retire has been made, I don't go beyond that. I respect her privacy," he said.

 

Torres figured in a controversy recently when a video showing her playing a slot machine inside a supposed casino circulated on social networking sites.

 

She said the video was done with malice. 

 

Earlier in the day, Torres said in a radio interview that she is leaving government service, but insisted she is retiring and that she was not fired.

 

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said though the Palace has yet to appoint a replacement, they will ask Abaya to recommend a replacement for Torres.

 

"We will ask Secretary Jun Abaya on any individual he has in mind to replace Asec. Torres," he said.

 

Meanwhile, Lacierda declined to comment when asked if Torres' retirement is related to the controversies hounding her.

 

However, he said Torres' retirement is a big loss.  "She has been part of our administration since day one... She has opted to retire, considering that her retirement is nearing soon," Lacierda added.

 

"Well, she has been doing her job as LTO head and we commend her for that," he said. — Amanda Fernandez/RSJ, GMA News