Bishops believe Roxas can help Aquino administration

Manila, Philippines - Prominent Roman Catholic bishops have voiced belief that giving former senator Manuel Roxas II a Cabinet position would be a boon to the Aquino administration.

In an interview over the Church-run Radio Veritas, Lipa, Batangas Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said the former senator has done a lot for the country and has an impeccable record of integrity.

“It would help if the President would accept his (Roxas) advice. If he would understand his plans and if his advice would be given merit,” former Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said.

But Cruz said Roxas’ being given a position in the administration might be perceived as political payback.

 “This is standard in Philippine politics. The one who is elected must observe payback time when the calendar says so. In short, it would not be realistic to think that Malacañang would not put into authority and public office those whom it thinks it owes political favor,” Cruz said.

Roxas ran for vice president in the May 10, 2010 polls but lost to Jejomar Binay. The one-year ban on appointment of losing candidates to government posts has already expired.

Roxas is perceived to be the closest to Aquino among political allies in the Liberal Party who lost in the elections.

“So it would be a big sign of ingratitude if Aquino would not give an office to Mar Roxas, an office that is not only sizeable in command but also in authority,” Cruz said.

President Aquino has not officially offered Roxas a position in his administration but has hinted at naming him presidential chief of staff.

Meanwhile, Malacañang assured the public yesterday that Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima would look into the alleged leadership confusion in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

There were reports that incoming SBMA administrator Rafael Reyes had resigned even before assuming his new post.

“Secretary Purisima is trying to get to the bottom of this and we are hoping to shed some light on the matter when Secretary Purisima gives us more information on it,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over radio dzRB.

Valte also said Reyes had not submitted a resignation letter to the Office of the Executive Secretary or the Presidential Management Staff.

“So, as far as Malacañang is concerned, Mr. Reyes remains the administrator of SBMA. Until we see a letter stating his resignation, he’s still the one installed there and the position is not vacant,” Valte said.

On Wednesday, the SBMA issued a statement, quoting outgoing SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, saying that Reyes had not backed out. – Evelyn Macairan, Aurea Calica