Robredo denies feud among Cabinet members

LOCAL Government Secretary Jesse Robredo dismissed speculations that there is a division among the Cabinet members.

Robredo said although the Cabinet secretaries "may have different views," they are still one under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.

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"Palagay ko dahil iba-iba yung pinanggagalingan ng gabinete, you might allude to this as a faction, pero impossible naman po na ang gabinete, na isang grupo, will not work together. Ang tingin ko sa gabinete ngayon isa lang ang faction, Noynoy faction wala nang iba," Robredo said.

Robredo was in Davao City Monday as he attended the National Crime Prevention week celebration at Police Regional Office-Davao Region.

He, however, agreed that the Cabinet member's performance could prove or disprove this.

"We can go on speculating pero I think as I've said, what will happen in the future will prove and disprove this," he said.

Robredo in his address to the police expressed his support but also said the Quirino Grandstand hostage crisis proved how "ill-equipped" the police are.

"The Quirino Grandstand incident is a demonstration of how courageous our police officers are but unfortunately how ill-equipped they are as well," he said.

As investigation on the incident continues, Robredo agreed that much "finger pointing" has ensued among the top officials of the administration.

"It's very normal when there's a problem like this. there is finger pointing. Sometimes you tend to speculate sabi ko isa lang grupo namin, Pangulong Noynoy lang. Walang iba, I only take orders from him, no one else," Robredo said.

"I think there has been a misunderstanding on what the order was - this gag order. This is not a gag order but rather we're just saying there is only one authority allowed to speak on it and that's Secretary de Lima. The worst thing that could happen at this time is confusing people, the only way to do it is secure a system in information," he added. (JCZ)