Noy: Lacson a no-nonsense guy

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino defended yesterday his appointment of former senator Panfilo Lacson, whom he described as a no-nonsense kind of guy that will lead government efforts in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of areas devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda last Nov. 8.

“Why Ping Lacson? Perhaps Ping Lacson strikes me as a no-nonsense person,” Aquino told officers and members of the weekly Bulong Pulungan media forum at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel in Pasay City.

He stressed that heads of various departments should remain focused on their mandate so that their attention will no longer be divided by problems regarding the rehabilitation of provinces, cities and towns severely affected by the killer storm.

“Cabinet members have their normal functions, then you also have the imperative to get our people back in a better condition at the soonest possible time. The attention is divided between the two obligations right off the bat,” Aquino said.

And now with Lacson at the helm, it will thus make the job easier for everybody.

“Having Ping Lacson at the center wherein he’s a no-nonsense guy, focused solely on rehabilitation will undoubtedly achieve the targets sooner. And that is, I guess, why we look at the unique capabilities of Sen. Lacson to be able to deliver,” he explained.

Transparency was also another serious consideration, particularly on foreign aid.

Aquino will issue an executive order that will lay down the legal basis for Lacson to assume the job of being the government’s “rehabilitation czar” in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.

“The full scope of his duties and responsibilities will be embodied in an executive order that will be issued (soon),” Press Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said, confirming the new designation of Lacson who is also a former chief of the Philippine National Police.

Coloma said Aquino had thanked Lacson “for accepting his invitation for him to assume a lead role in overseeing rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.” – With Perseus Echeminda, Sheila Crisostomo