MANILA -- Senators welcomed the announcement of Local Government Undersecretary Rico Puno, who is facing criticism on two fronts, that he would submit his courtesy resignation.
Senator Franklin Drilon, a member of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III's party, said Puno's resignation is a welcome development.
Drilon said Puno's resignation would lead to decisive actions on the IIRC report finding him liable for mishandling the August 23 hostage-taking incident and reports that he is involved in jueteng,
“The President is certainly burdened by the findings of the IIRC (Incident Investigation and Resolution Committee) and now the allegations of Archbishop (Oscar) Puno,” he said.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano meanwhile asked why it took so long for Puno to offer his resignation.
He said it was about time that someone took responsibility for the botched attempt to rescue tourists held hostage by a relieved policeman.
The rescue attempt ended with the deaths of eight tourists from Hong Kong as well as the hostage taker.
Puno announced Wednesday that he would submit his courtesy resignation when the President returns from his US trip. (Jonathan de Santos/Sunnex)