Baguilat lauds appointment of Roxas

IFUGAO Representative Teddy Brawner Baguilat has welcomed the appointment of Manuel Roxas II as the next Local Government secretary to succeed the late Jesse Robredo.

"Secretary Roxas has the most difficult position in the Cabinet now. Anyone who replaces Jesse Robredo will have the unenviable burden of being compared with the late great secretary," said Baguilat.

He said, however, that if there's anyone among President Benigno Aquino III's closest friends allies who can measure up to the assignment, it is Secretary Roxas.

"He has the political persona and command presence to ensure that Robredo's crusade of eliminating corruption in DILG will be continued," said Baguilat.

Baguilat expressed hope that Roxas would remain committed to pursuing the reforms started by Robredo and continue with the investigations started by the late secretary on anomalies in the department.

"I hope Secretary Mar will muster the will to continue the investigation started by Robredo on anomalies in the procurement process of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and other offices and prosecute those guilty," he said.

Baguilat added that with Roxas's political savvy and familiarity with many local officials, he would be in a good position to strengthen the full disclosure policy advocacy among local government units that was started by Secretary Robredo.

"I'm also hoping though that Secretary Mar will consider the late secretary's less glamorized advocacies like the mandatory representation of indigenous peoples in legislative councils, the access to justice project and resolving the in-city resettlement of informal settlers," he said.

Baguilat, who was endorsed by some groups to take over Robredo's position, said he was humbled and honored to have even been considered for the post.

"I never expected serious consideration and I would have chosen Secretary Roxas, my colleague Jun Abaya or fellow Kaya Natin champions Grace Padaca over myself. But it's an honor anyway," said Baguilat, who is also a member of the Liberal Party. (Aiza Liza P. Namingit)