Mar to vacate LP post

Manila, Philippines – Liberal Party (LP) president and incoming Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Manuel Roxas II will be taking a leave of absence as LP president as he aims to focus on his new post in the DILG.

President Benigno S. Aquino III administered the oath-taking of new DILG Secretary Mar Roxas in Malacanang yesterday.
The oath taking, held yesterday at the reception hall of Malacanang, was witnessed by Roxas’ wife, broadcaster Korina Sanchez ­ Roxas; the wife of the late former DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, Atty. Leni Robredo; and members of the Liberal Party.
Roxas said he will be formally submitting his leave of absence to President Aquino on Monday.
President Aquino is also the chairman of the LP.
Roxas said he was able to discern that taking a leave from his post as LP president is the best way to serve well in his new post as DILG chief.
He said that under the mechanism of the LP, the executive vice president will take over his vacated post. Unfortunately, that position was the position left by the late former DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo.
As to who will replace him in LP, Roxas said, “The party will make an announcement on Monday after my leave of absence is formalized.“
Roxas said President Aquino was surprised when he told him about his leave of absence but he is thankful that the President accepted his decision. (By MADEL R. SABATER)