PDEA deputy director’s relief order ‘has basis’

MALACANANG on Wednesday maintained that President Benigno Aquino III made the right decision in removing Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) deputy director general Carlos Gadapan.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President has basis in dismissing Gadapan, but refused to give further details about it.

"The President evaluated and studied the reports thoroughly. And his decision to replace Gadapan has basis," Lacierda said.

Lacierda said the reasons Gadapan was sacked will be revealed to public if the President decides to do so.

Gadapan earlier claimed that he did not do anything wrong and he was not told about the reason why he was dismissed.

He accused PDEA chief Jose Gutierrez as the man behind his ouster, saying that his superior was getting back at him for revealing the wife's alleged gambling issues.

Lacierda said the National Bureau of Investigation is investigating the allegations of Gadapan.

"We confirm that that PDEA is being investigated," he said.

He said the Palace will not stop Gadapan from defending himself but reminded him that it is the prerogative of the President to fire an appointee by mere reason of "loss of confidence."

"Maybe, he should be briefed about the status of a presidential appointee. A presidential appointee could be dismissed for loss of confidence. It is different from an ordinary employee," he said.

The Senate has called on a separate investigation into the dismissal of Gadapan. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)