Abad: LP exec's appointment as DILG chief not related to 2016 polls

MANILA, Philippines - Budget Secretary Florencio Abad on Thursday took up the cudgels for President Benigno Aquino III who appointed a top Liberal Party (LP) official as the new interior and local government secretary.

In an interview with reporters in Cebu, Abad said Aquino's appointment of Western Samar Rep. Mel Sarmiento has nothing to do with the 2016 elections.

"I think it has to do more with the qualifications of the appointee. I am sure you very well know that he spent quite a good time in the local governments and he was the president of the League of Cities for quite sometime," said Abad, a former president of the LP.

"He has been very active going around the country engaging local governments and civil society groups," the budget chief added.

Abad said Sarmiento's appointment was "appropriate."

Aquino revealed on Tuesday that he offered Sarmiento the top post at the Department of Interior and Local Government.

READ: New DILG chief: Who is Senen Sarmiento?

Sarmiento will be replacing Secretary Manuel Roxas II, who had offered to resign after he was anointed as the presidential candidate of the LP. - Louis Bacani