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Nation

DENR exec defends Atienza, cites reforms, gains vs graft

- Katherine Adraneda -

MANILA, Philippines - The chief of staff of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza on Friday took the cudgels for his boss amid “hasty claims” made by Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza that graft and corruption in the agency has worsened under the watch of the former Manila mayor, whose appointment is likely to be rejected again by the Commission on Appointments (CA).

“With all due respect to Rep. Plaza, reforms in the DENR have been one of the top priorities of the Atienza administration and no less than the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) has well recognized the gains of (his) commitment,” said DENR Senior Undersecretary and chief of staff Ramon Paje.

Paje pointed out that the PAGC listed, for the first time, the DENR as one of the top 10 “anti-graft champions” for the first semester this year.

He also recalled that early this year, Atienza was cited by the Asia Research Center as having consistently maintained his top spot on the nationwide performance rating survey among Cabinet officials.

Based on the survey, Paje said, Atienza is a “man of action,” as he brought many “firsts” to the DENR.

Among other things, Paje said Atienza resolved to fast-track the setting up of wastewater treatment facilities by water utility companies Manila Water and Maynilad, to dismantle illegal fish pens and fish cages in Manila Bay and Laguna Lake, and to establish so-called “green courts” to ensure “tighter coordination” with the Green Ombudsman.

Paje added that Atienza’s recent moves to simplify the processing of applications for environmental compliance certificates and approval of certificates of non-coverage with strict monitoring have also been lauded and supported by local and foreign business groups as instrumental in bringing down the incidence of graft at the DENR.

Paje said even the World Bank cited the DENR last year as “the most transparent and accountable government agency in the procurement of goods and services.”

“We acknowledge that much still needs to be done, but we have already gone a long way in cleansing the ranks of the DENR as well as streamlining policies and processes to leave no room for graft and corruption. Upon implementing this, Secretary Atienza is stepping on powerful toes that generate some negative reactions,” Paje said.

Paje said all movement of DENR rank-and-file workers under Atienza’s watch undergoes a stringent process to ensure that regulations of the Civil Service Commission are adhered to, especially on matters pertaining to those facing administrative cases.

“Atienza previously declared 2009 ‘enforcement year.’ Through this, he reshuffled regional executive directors (REDs) last January to provide more effective environmental governance, particularly in the enforcement of environmental laws to guarantee the impartial management of the country’s natural resources,” Paje said.

“Under Atienza, the REDs were made fully accountable as they are responsible and liable for any illegal activity in their respective areas of jurisdiction. If warranted, charges were and will be immediately filed against negligent DENR officials,” he added. 

Meanwhile, DENR Employees’ Union president Camilo Garcia expressed appreciation for Atienza’s program on employee benefits and welfare, and also hailed his anti-corruption efforts in the department.

“Although Secretary Atienza is strict on implementation, he follows due process in accordance with the omnibus rules on administrative cases in public service,” Garcia said.

Last Thursday, Plaza told reporters that his colleagues in the 12-man House CA panel had reached a consensus to endorse the rejection of Atienza as well as Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes.

Plaza said members of the House CA contingent are now formalizing their majority decision.

Plaza alleged that graft and corruption in the DENR worsened under Atienza.

“My complaint against him is that he has reinstated officials of his agency with unresolved graft cases. That has worsened graft and corruption in his department,” he said.

On the other hand, Reyes’ confirmation is being opposed supposedly because of his failure to curb the skyrocketing prices of fuel in the country. 

Should Atienza’s and Reyes’ appointment be rejected anew by the CA, the two will lose their Cabinet posts and President Arroyo can no longer reappoint them, Plaza said.

ALTHOUGH SECRETARY ATIENZA

ASIA RESEARCH CENTER

ATIENZA

CAMILO GARCIA

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

DENR

GRAFT

PAJE

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