I was beyond myself, laughing my head off when a friend and co-columnist texted to inform me that there were “dark and malignant forces” loitering around the Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG) like sharks on the prowl now that the beloved and highly praised Sec. Jesse Robredo has passed away. Indeed, the DILG secretary does possess vast and sensitive powers in government. And President Aquino’s appointment of Jesse Robredo to head the department was lauded by the many who knew that he did not pick just anybody but a Ramon Magsaysay award winner!
Jesse Robredo has in fact received many accolades and citations for the way he turned Naga from a 3rd class city to a 1st class one during his terms as mayor. He got rid of the gambling and vice dens that dotted the city, and word has it that he did not allow jueteng to come back in, no matter who wanted to bring it back! Robredo’s skill, intelligence and loyalty are what prompted President Aquino to appoint him to the DILG. DOTC Sec. Mar Roxas was also instrumental in turning Robredo into a national figure and one of those who strongly suggested Robredo to President Aquino to head the agency. All this as pressure from different camps was made to bear on the President to appoint their own anointed ones! There was also one who, if I remember correctly, wanted the position so bad, even sending so many feelers to the president to appoint him to the said post! But no promise of the sort was made to him by the President. Even the now infamous “KKK” were pressuring PNoy to choose one among their ranks, to no avail. Than God he made the right choice then!
So why does everyone seem to covet the DILG position? Simple. The DILG has powers over the police, and oversees the mayors and governors of all the cities and provinces of the country! The opportunity for a DILG Secretary with political motives to “deal” with the officials on a local level practically guarantees victory for whoever candidate is fielded in the said city or province. Deals where nefarious and illegal activities are allowed in exchange for political machinery. And who will be the wiser, if the police are also controlled? That’s why so many salivate at the position. All the more reason that the President must choose a replacement that is of the same make and caliber of a Jesse Robredo or even greater, as he definitely has big shoes to fill. Most of the monumental problems of the country are because of corrupt mayors and governors. On a local level, everything is controlled by mayors and governors, even the voters, of which the President is not always privy nor aware of. Thus where the Secretary of the DILG comes in to manage. And Robredo was in the process of doing just that, in line with the President’s straight path to progress and transparency. Mindanao was a region that Robredo wanted to change for the better. It is indeed sad and unfortunate that the Heavens decided to call him home.
For now, Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa is the DILG OIC. I only hope it doesn’t last for long, and a new presidential appointee is made for the DILG. It is no secret that some in Ochoa’s camp are not in PNoy’s. In fact, to speak the truth, Jojo Ochoa has no track record for PNoy’s reform agenda for good governance. It’s as simple as that. On the other hand, there are those with dark and malignant intentions who are grinning from ear to ear at the demise of Jesse Robredo. They know that a good, incorruptible man has gone, and it is now their chance to gain control of the agency. Those who want to bring back jueteng, control the PNP, deal with the mayors and governors for other illegal activities and of course, guarantee that their candidate wins in 2013.
It is my sincere hope that the President chooses a worthy replacement for Jesse Robredo. One who, even if he isn’t “KKK”, has the qualifications, intelligence, sincerity and loyalty such as Jesse Robredo. One who can continue Jesse’s vision for the country, just as he did with Naga City. One who truly walks the straight path to progress.