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Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Bunye denies move to ease Lakas members from gov't
MALACAÑANG Monday said there are no efforts to remove members of the administration party Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) or people identified with former president Fidel Ramos from the Arroyo administration.
Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye also denied that First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo was involved in the termination of Transportation Undersecretary Arturo Valdez.
"This is part of an ongoing reorganization and as of June 30, the appointments of some officials have lapsed effectively and they were holding their positions in a holdover capacity. But others have been reappointed and those who failed to get the reappointments are effectively considered, their services are already been terminated," he said.
Bunye said most of the officials affected are the "non-career appointments" adding that Valdez' case is one example.
Lawyer Jesus Santos, spokesman of the First Gentleman, said the allegation was unfair. He said the President's husband does not interfere in government and he would not have any knowledge on who are up for termination, retirement or replacement.
"Ano ba naman ang malay niya sa kasong iyan (What would he know about that case anyway)? The First Gentleman is focusing his time, efforts and everything in himself for charitable mission, for the plight of the poor," he added.
Valdez is the second government official identified with Ramos to be given an ungraceful exit by the administration. The other was Philippine Coconut Authority chairman Danilo Coronacion, whose office was dissolved without notice.
Valdez said he had just arrived from a transportation conference in Cambodia when he received a letter dated Nov. 10, 2004, thanking him for his services. He received the letter on December 2.
Bunye said if "Lakas men" are being eased out, then he would not be in office until now. "I'm also Lakas so it doesn't hold," he added. (JMR)
(December 7, 2004 issue)
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