Tingting: I quit, I wasn't fired

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino’s aunt former Tarlac Gov. Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco clarified yesterday that she was not fired but she resigned as president of the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) out of delicadeza.

Cojuangco confirmed that she resigned from the post she held for over seven years. Cojuangco also writes a column for The STAR.

“I resigned out of delicadeza. Although relatives can’t be appointed, the appointment that I have can make me stay legally because I was appointed by (former President) Gloria (Macapagal-Arroyo) and not by the President. I just chose to resign,” she added.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said that Cojuangco had even recommended former mayor Ruben Platon of Upi, Maguindanao to replace her.

The President later appointed Platon, current PPSC executive director, as head of the school that trains police officers, firemen and jail officers.

Cojuangco said she recommended to President Aquino to appoint Platon, Marcelino Lipana and Amador Navarroza, whom she considered “very qualified people” in the PPSC.

“Yes, I’m sure that they are going to pursue exactly what I wanted,” said Cojuangco.

She noted that she has received offers, including from the research department, especially on linkages with embassies and other colleges. Since the appointment will not come from the President, Cojuangco is inclined to accept the offer.

“Practically nag-resign siya (Cojuangco),” Ochoa said.

He said Cojuangco apparently resigned after she realized that Aquino was determined not to allow relatives to occupy top government posts.

“The President is very strict in enforcing the policy of not having relatives in his stable of officials. Madame Tingting realizes that,” Ochoa said.

Then President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed Cojuangco as PPSC president in 2004.

Cojuangco is the wife of former Tarlac Rep. Jose Cojuangco, who is the brother of Aquino’s mother former President Corazon Aquino.

In her seven years as PPSC president, Cojuangco said she was able to increase the level of professionalism of policemen, firemen and jail personnel.

From the graduation of only 12,000 policemen, firemen and jail guards, Cojuangco said there are now 27,000 graduates because “I brought the classes all over the Philippines to save the students money.”

Under her term, Cojuangco said the PPSC worked in consultation with police, fire and jail officials.

She added, “Safety measures need change depending on the need and the threat, so we’ve always decided with consultation.” With Delon Porcalla