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PNoy picks LP stalwart Sarmiento as new DILG chief
(Updated 3:18 p.m.) Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento is set to replace resigned Mar Roxas at the helm of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, President Benigno Aquino III announced Tuesday.
“Yes, si Mel Sarmiento. I offered the post to him… This is subject to the confirmation of the CA (Commission on Appointments),” Aquino said during a forum organized by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Sarmiento is the secretary general of the ruling Liberal Party, which has selected Roxas as its standard-bearer for next year's elections..
Roxas resigned in preparation for his presidential campaign in next year’s elections.
Sarmiento started his career in politics as vice mayor of Calbayog City from 1992 to 1995. He ran and won as mayor in 2001 after a six-year hiatus following his defeat in the mayoralty race in 1995. Sarmiento also heads the House of Representatives' contingent of the Commission on Appointments.
Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas, head of LP’s organizing and membership committee, welcomed Sarmiento’s appointment and expressed confidence in his capability to lead the DILG.
“He has the experience and knowledge of local government needed as SILG,” he said in a text message.
LP vice chair for political affairs Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice believes Sarmiento can still fulfill his duties as party official even if he’s now a member of the Cabinet.
“I think he can do both simultaneously because he will no longer be a candidate,” he said.
Treñas, meanwhile, said the party will make decisions regarding the leadership structure “as may be necessary” following Sarmiento’s appointment.
As of posting time, Sarmiento has yet to reply to GMA News Online’s request for comment. — Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez and Xianne Arcangel/JST/ALG/NB, GMA News
“Yes, si Mel Sarmiento. I offered the post to him… This is subject to the confirmation of the CA (Commission on Appointments),” Aquino said during a forum organized by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Sarmiento is the secretary general of the ruling Liberal Party, which has selected Roxas as its standard-bearer for next year's elections..
Roxas resigned in preparation for his presidential campaign in next year’s elections.
Sarmiento started his career in politics as vice mayor of Calbayog City from 1992 to 1995. He ran and won as mayor in 2001 after a six-year hiatus following his defeat in the mayoralty race in 1995.
During his stint as mayor, Sarmiento was elected as a two-term Secretary General of the League of Cities of the Philippines.
He served as mayor of Calbayog City for three terms before running for Congress in 2010. He is now on his second term as representative of the First District of Western Samar.
Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas, head of LP’s organizing and membership committee, welcomed Sarmiento’s appointment and expressed confidence in his capability to lead the DILG.
“He has the experience and knowledge of local government needed as SILG,” he said in a text message.
LP vice chair for political affairs Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice believes Sarmiento can still fulfill his duties as party official even if he’s now a member of the Cabinet.
“I think he can do both simultaneously because he will no longer be a candidate,” he said.
Treñas, meanwhile, said the party will make decisions regarding the leadership structure “as may be necessary” following Sarmiento’s appointment.
As of posting time, Sarmiento has yet to reply to GMA News Online’s request for comment. — Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez and Xianne Arcangel/JST/ALG/NB, GMA News
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