MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Western Samar Representative and Liberal Party (LP) secretary-general Mel Senen Sarmiento will take over the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), President Benigno Aquino III confirmed on Tuesday, September 8.
"I offered the job to him....The transition is being worked out so that he is not thrown into the deep end right away, and there's a smooth transition between Secretary Roxas and Representative Sarmiento," Aquino said in a Q&A with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, broadcast live over state-run PTV4.
He said the Sarmiento's appointment is "subject to the confirmation of the Commission on Appointments."
The DILG oversees the country's local governments, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Early August, current DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas II handed in his resignation letter to the President, a few days after he announced his plans of running for president in 2016. Aquino, however, said he would not accept Roxas' resignation until a suitable replacement is found and there is a smooth transition of work.
In the weeks between Aquino's Tuesday pronouncement and Roxas' resignation, there was much speculation as to who would take over the much-coveted post. Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr and DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero were both reportedly considered for the post.
A source close to both the Palace and the ruling LP earlier said it would be in the party's interest to have a clear ally appointed as the next DILG chief. Ochoa is associated with the so-called "Samar Group" in Malacañang, or personalities who supported Aquino in 2010 but rooted for Vice President Jejomar Binay instead of Roxas, who was Aquino's running-mate.
Those allied with Roxas and the LP are tagged members of the "Balay Group."
'Colossal task'
In a statement, Sarmiento said, "I am ready to accept any new challenge to be able serve our people better and advance the cause of good governance and Daang Matuwid."
He also made a pledge as incoming DILG chief, in relation to the 2016 polls: "We will continue to uphold the high standards of the institution in public service and guarantee that the national police and the entire uniformed service under the DILG will be neutral in ensuring a peaceful, honest and orderly election in 2016."
Sarmiento recognized the "colossal task" that has been placed on his shoulders, and said that under his helm, "we will continue to modernize the PNP, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the other agencies under the DILG, and we will remain steadfast in our fight against corruption."– Rappler.com