Puno reports for work today as DILG chief

MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno is set to report for work today after a 15-day vacation leave, ending speculations that he had a falling out with President Arroyo and has been replaced for good by Public Works and Highway Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.

Puno is set to meet with the DILG family and later hold a press conference at the DILG main office at the Francisco Gold Condominium in Quezon City tomorrow morning.

The DILG chief went on a 15-day vacation leave, which he spent in the United States, where he attended the wedding of his fifth child Tami.

Some groups, however, put intrigue to the vacation leave when Malacañang appointed Ebdane as officer-in-charge of the DILG, instead of just tapping the most senior undersecretary to act as Puno’s temporary replacement.

Other political groups claimed the vacation was only used for Puno’s graceful exit from rendering service to the administration.

“Secretary Puno’s return to the DILG will prove them wrong,” said an observer.

Puno went on leave to attend the wedding of his daughter in the United States on July 4.

DILG Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Brian Yamsuan said Puno’s leave was approved and signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita. He said that there was no truth that Puno would undergo heart check-up during his trip. “Para lang talaga sa wedding ng anak nya.”