Outgoing DOTC chief says Mar will do a good job
MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino had a one-on-one meeting with Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Jose 'Ping' de Jesus on Wednesday to discuss the turnover of leadership at the DOTC.
Before this, in a separate meeting, Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III also briefed President Aquino about the Department of Justice's (DOJ) panel's recommendation to place Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Virginia Torres under preventive suspension, and that she be charged with an administrative case for her involvement in the attempted takeover of the office of LTO's IT-provider Stradcom.
"The President just wanted an understanding of the basis of facts, decision and recommendation of Usec. Baraan," Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.
Also present at Baraan's briefing was de Jesus.
President Aquino told reporters Tuesday that Torres is set to go back to work in the third week of June after a two-month leave.
Aquino said Torres has "in effect" served the penalty.
"She has gone through an investigation already. I think the penalty that was prescribed has already been meted out and she will reassume her duties by some time in the third week of this month," Aquino said.
Meantime, de Jesus has congratulated incoming DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas on his appointment.
Lacierda said de Jesus called up Roxas after the President's announcement of his appointment Tuesday.
"It was a very warm conversation," Lacierda said. "He believes Mar will do a very good job in the DOTC."
