P-Noy says he still trusts Llamas

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino once again stood by his political adviser Ronald Llamas, saying the latter still enjoys his trust and confidence despite reports that the Cabinet member was seen purchasing pirated DVDs in a Quezon City mall.

“He (Llamas) still performs the role that he was brought into the Cabinet for. So therefore he does, he does enjoy the trust,” Aquino said, two days before Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. is to release findings of administrative liability.

The picture of Llamas buying fake DVDs is not at all related to his mandate, according to Aquino, but this does not mean that he is off the hook for compromising the government’s campaign against piracy.

“It is not connected with his core function but, having said that, there is still sanctions that should be levied,” he said, at the same time awaiting results of the investigation that Ochoa will release tomorrow.

Aquino confirmed Llamas had indeed apologized, but refused to give details on how their conversation went, as it also dealt with a lot more than the DVD issue.

“That’s part of it and there were updates on so many other things that I am not at liberty at this time to discuss. These are ongoing activities and operations,” Aquino said.

He deferred comment, however, on what sanctions he will impose. “I understand that the committee that I tasked to investigate it will be submitting their recommendations by Friday, two days from now.”

In a statement released earlier, Llamas said he has formally apologized to the President for any embarrassment that the incident may have caused the administration.

Quoting the Optical Media Board, Llamas, through his office, said he did not violate any law when he bought pirated DVDs.

Llamas has already filed his answer to the memo issued by Ochoa asking him to explain why no administrative disciplinary proceedings should be initiated against him.

He said he opted not to publicly speak on the matter to give way to the Palace investigation. “It was the most prudent thing to do in light of the inquiry that the executive secretary has launched,” he said.

Llamas was tagged in a controversy last September when a high-powered firearm (AK-47) was discovered in his vehicle after two of his aides figured in a road accident.

He said the firearm was for self-defense, citing threats to his life. He also fired his aides for not following his instruction to secure the firearm while he was abroad.

There were no indications that Llamas is resigning following the recent controversy, but he promised to be more careful and prudent in his future actions.

“I am ready to face the findings and recommendations of the inquiry,” Llamas said.