Sarmiento gets CA
nod, vows to run after 'namedroppers'
Press Release
September 22, 2015
QUEZON CITY – Newly
appointed Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento
today warned that he would not hesitate to use the full force of the
law to go after people and groups who are using his name for extortion
and jueteng protection rackets.
Sarmiento said he has
received persistent reports that certain people and groups are using
his name this early to extort and demand protection money from vice
syndicates particularly those involved in illegal gambling like "jueteng"
and warned that he will never allow anyone to tarnish his good name.
Sarmiento said that he has
already instructed Philippine National Police chief Director General
Ricardo Marquez to look into these reports and arrest anyone who is
using his name for financial gains.
He said he has also asked
Marquez to intensify anti-gambling operations amid reports of
increased jueteng activities for fund raising because of the upcoming
local and national elections.
"I will never allow anyone
to represent me or my office to extort or demand protection money from
jueteng and other vices. I intend to keep my good name now and for the
rest of my life as a public servant," Sarmiento said.
Sarmiento made this
statement shortly after his confirmation by the Commission on
Appointments Tuesday where he promised to serve his office the
"Department of the People."
In his speech before the CA,
Sarmiento maintained that he was appointed by President Aquino not
merely because he is a party mate but because of his experience and
credentials as a public servant.
He said that although his
appointment as Secretary of the DILG is a big gamble considering that
he still has one term as Congressman, he decided to accept the
responsibility "knowing that I can do more for our country given my
experience."
"For the remaining eight
months of this administration, I intend to strengthen DILG’s existing
programs by ensuring closer coordination with all local governments in
all levels and the Department’s attached agencies," said Sarmiento who
used to head the House contingent to the CA.
"With your help, I will work
to ensure that all DILG programs reach each LGU regardless of party
lines of its local leaders. With your help, we shall make the DILG the
Department of the People," Sarmiento added.
Sarmiento faced no
opposition on his appointment and was confirmed in just a matter of 15
minutes by his former colleagues in the CA.