Puno takes over at DILG while awaiting CA confirmation

Antipolo City Rep. Ronaldo Puno took over the helm of the Department of the Interior and Local Government yesterday but he cannot take office until his appointment as DILG secretary is confirmed by the Commission on Appointments.

Interior Undersecretary Wencelito Andanar will head the department until Puno’s confirmation is approved.

"I am, as of now, the secretary-designate of the department. I chose to be proper and undergo the process. So I will take my oath as DILG secretary upon my confirmation by the Commission on Appointments," Puno said during yesterday’s turnover ceremony.

"This is a very happy homecoming for me," Puno told the audience. He served as interior secretary during the administration of Joseph Estrada in 1999.

Puno replaced Angelo Reyes, who was appointed environment secretary. Reyes replaced Michael Defensor, who is now President Arroyo’s chief of staff.

Reyes, on the other hand, said he was sad but proud in leaving the DILG.

"Sad because I’m leaving the DILG, which is also my family. And proud because I know the DILG is one of the best departments in the country," he told the audience.

"The DILG is the best department in the country, but it will be next to the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources)," Reyes added jokingly.