Ochoa rallies DILG employees: Don’t let Robredo’s reforms go in vain

Thursday 23rd of August 2012

MANILA, Aug. 23 -- Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. called on the employees of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to continue performing their tasks and the reforms started by the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

“In this period of transition, we urge everyone to do their share and do their best so that all the programs and reforms that Secretary Robredo has started will not go in vain, for the benefit of our countrymen whom he faithfully served,” he added.

Ochoa on Thursday met with the heads of various offices under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to make sure that the agency functions normally and delivers uninterrupted services to the public during the transition period.

This is the first meeting of Ochoa, whom President Benigno Aquino III temporarily assigned to oversee DILG operations.

“Upon the directives of the President, I am here to ensure that the services provided by the DILG run smoothly even as the entire nation mourns the untimely death of Secretary Robredo,” Ochoa said.

Last Wednesday, the Executive Secretary made his first visit to the DILG office and ordered the compilation of all the programs and projects in the pipeline to ensure that these are implemented, particularly the reforms being undertaken in the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Robredo has also begun putting together a comprehensive plan for the relocation of informal settlers.

To make sure that logistics and administrative matters are addressed without delay, Ochoa has drawn up a signing and approval system for the meantime until the President names a permanent head of the DILG. (OES)