By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, Sept. 8 (PNA) — President Benigno Aquino III has appointed Liberal Party secretary general and Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento as the new secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Sarmiento will take the place of Mar Roxas who has been endorsed by President Aquino as LP’s standard bearer in the 2016 elections.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said President Aquino announced the appointment of Sarmiento in an interview with Inquirer.
President Aquino said Sarmiento will coordinate with Roxas for smooth transition of the DILG leadership.
Sarmiento will be subject to the confirmation of the Commission on Appointments (CA), according to the President.
The DILG oversees the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Local Government Units.
Roxas resigned as DILG Secretary early last month after his endorsement but the President asked him to stay until a suitable replacement is announced. (PNA)