Press Release
September 1, 2012

Statement of Sen. Ralph G. Recto on the appointment of
Sec. Mar Roxas to DILG and Rep. Joseph "Jun" Abaya to DOTC

The President has found a fitting replacement to Sec. Jesse Robredo in the person of Sec. Mar Roxas as head of Department of Interior and Local Government.

Robredo and Roxas are cut from the same cloth.

Integrity, passion and hardwork are their common thread.

Robredo's shortened reforms in the DILG have found a rightful "heir" in Mar. The late secretary, I'm sure, is nodding in approval from his happy place.

Sec. Roxas has proven to be an effective problem-solver in every positions he held, from lawmaker to a cabinet member -- which now spans three Presidents.

The political wisdom he diligently acquired over the years would serve him well in approaching the problems of LGUs and PNP.

In addition, Mar is in a unique position to marry his expertise in public transport with his familiarity with institutions directly involved in the delivery of public services - the LGUs and the national police.

The President also scored a second home-run by tapping Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya to replace Mar as head of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Abaya's stint as House budget chief would prove useful every time he seeks approval for a new transport infrastructure like railways, airports and seaports. Abaya would never be caught fishing for numbers.

His military past could also be harnessed as a fiscal tool to deliver DOTC projects on time and strictly within budget.

Jun's great grandfather, first President Emilio Aguinaldo, would definitely love to see him finish and win this revolution in governance.

One of these days, I could see Mar and Jun sitting down together to discuss the worsening crime problem.

Mar could supply the best cops and awesome LGU support while Jun provides state-of-the-art transport with sleek communications gadgets.

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