Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III won’t quit post

MANILA, Philippines — Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III will not step down from his post amid accusations of graft.

“I serve at the pleasure of the President. As long as I enjoy his trust and confidence, I will stay here,” Bello told reporters yesterday.

Recruitment agency owner Amada Araneta earlier accused him of accepting P100,000 in cash and cell phone as Christmas gifts.

Bello urged Commissioner Manuelito Luna of the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission to inhibit from the investigation into the complaint filed against him with the PACC.

The labor chief dared his detractors to file a case against him before the ombusdman or the Department of Justice (DOJ) if they have evidence.

“The DOJ and the ombudsman office have jurisdiction to investigate public officials, not the PACC,” Bello said. 

He has denied receiving money from any recruitment firm.

Hundreds of overseas Filipino workers trooped to the Department of Labor and Employment main office in Intramuros, Manila yesterday to express their support for Bello.