Ochoa assures continuity in DILG operations

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa on Wednesday sought a comprehensive review of all the pending programs and projects left by the untimely demise of Secretary Jesse Robredo in the Department of the Interior and Local Government to ensure that reforms are implemented and the operation is continuous.

Ochoa, who was designated as officer-in-charge of the DILG by President Benigno S. Aqiuino III following the tragic plane crash that killed Robredo and his two pilots last Saturday, was at the agency Wednesday morning to seek a list of the programs in the pipeline as well as assure DILG employees that there will be no interruption in the services they provide to the public.

"While we join Secretary Robredo's family and the nation in this time of bereavement, the President felt also that it is appropriate to designate an OIC for the meantime, on a very temporary nature to ensure that the DILG is running and its service to the public is continuous," Ochoa said.

According to the Executive Secretary, he already asked an inventory of all the pending matters for review and their status, particularly the reforms that Robredo has started in several offices under the wings of the DILG.

Ochoa particularly mentioned the ongoing reforms which Robredo has put in place in the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, as well as his plans to relocate informal settlers.

Initially, Ochoa said he has started putting together the signing and approval system for administrative matters and logistics to prevent any interruption in the services.

He said employees should expect him to be visible in the agency in the coming days until the President appoints a permanent DILG chief. - DILG — ARA