Puno Should Resign Irrevocably

Local news services say that Pres. Aquino, currently in New York City, is not interested in accepting the courtesy resignation of beleaguered Interior Secretary Rico Puno. Puno has said that once the president, his target-shooting buddy, arrives, he tenders his resignation from office.

Is Mr. Aquino serious that he will not accept the resignation of a man suspected as inefficient and corrupt probably because he is his close friend? 

Puno faltered in the August 23 botched hostage rescue attempt and now accused of receiving illegal millions of payola. If the president is not kidding us and himself, Puno has become a black eye of his presidency. We have not forgotten that the campaign of Noynoy was based from a reformist government but how could Mr. Aquino fruitfully institute necessary changes when a deemed inefficient and corrupt is in his official household?

Puno is innocent. He is not convicted of any wrongdoing. However, again, if the president is indeed serious to be the total opposite of his predecessors, he must see to it that all of the accused in the jueteng scandal must be scrutinized and have their day in court if necessary.

Any unfavorable action on the part of the president strongly suggests even at this early of his presidency that he is a weak leader and not the one Filipinos are looking for to lead them.

For the sake of the country, it is better for Under-secretary Puno to tender his “irrevocable” resignation if he is really serious in not being a burden to anybody --- his tarnished image bothers us  isn't it? In that way, he also saves the face of the president and his government from further mockery.

He also saves his face especially!-30-
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Photo Courtesy: Manila Bulletin Online Edition