Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Liberal Party (LP) presidential bet Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Friday (September 11) turned over his duties as Interior Secretary to Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento.
The simple ceremony was attended by the heads of the agencies under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) – including Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Ricardo Marquez, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) director Dyoni Mamaril and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief Ariel Barayuga.
House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and Calocaan Rep. Edgar Erice were there as well.
In his speech, Roxas thanked those who helped him perform his tasks as DILG secretary. He included President Benigno Aquino III, who appointed him, DILG employees for their support, and Sarmiento for accepting the post.
Roxas said Sarmiento, who could still run for a third term as congressman, had sacrificed any plans he might have in next year’s elections.
Related: Aquino names LP stalwart to replace Roxas at DILG
A pair of slippers
Roxas handed to Sarmiento a pair of slippers.
He said this should serve as a constant reminder to Sarmiento, that many poor people still need government’s help.
For his part, Sarmiento is still a little overwhelmed to learn that so many offices are under the DILG.
According to Sarmiento, he doesn’t have any new plans in mind for now and would rather continue what Roxas has started especially the oplan lambat sibat.
Sarmiento, however, also said he would like to have local officials go through training at the local government academy.
This, he said, should ensure that their visions for their respective communities are aligned
Sarmiento already filed a leave as secretary general of the Liberal Party. He reiterated that he will not allow his position to be politicized.
Meanwhile, House leaders said a caretaker will be designated to take over Sarmiento’s post as congressman of Western Samar.
According to Erice, it will be Sarmiento and other DILG undersecretaries who will be presenting the DILG’s proposed budget for 2016 in Congress.
The budget hearing for the DILG, however, will be rescheduled.
It was supposed to be on August 27 but the budget presentation was cancelled as Roxas attended to meetings in the aftermath of Typhoon Ineng.
