DILG exec ‘resigns’ as PCGA ‘volunteer’ over fake uniform

MANILA, Philippines — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Martin Diño “resigned” yesterday as a volunteer member of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA).

Diño said the PCG should have called his attention instead of posting on social media his photo while wearing a PCG rear admiral’s uniform.

“I will just resign so there would be no more of that,” he said in Filipino.

The PCG, which criticized Diño for wearing the fake uniform, earlier said he is not a legitimate member of the PCGA.

Diño said the PCG has better things to do, such as coastal protection.

He admitted that he had the uniform tailored but did not pay any membership fee.

He also referred The STAR to Admiral Fred Villanueva of 101st Manila Yacht Club Squadron to explain what happened.

Diño said what he wanted is for the PCGA to have members in each barangay so in case of disasters there would be an immediate response.

“I don’t need rank or uniform. Those are yours. I need volunteers to save people’s lives in the barangays,” he said.   

Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya, DILG spokesperson, said the matter of Diño’s membership in the PCGA is between him and the PCG.

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