PMA Class 85 and 86 deny reports to oppose possible appointment of Ochoa as DILG Chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 18): PMA Class 85 and 86 deny reports to oppose possible appointment of Ochoa as DILG Chief

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Chief Supt. Edgardo Tinio, President of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1985 on Tuesday denied reports that they were against the possible appointment of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa as new secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“This has reference to the recent reports that PMA Class ‘85 officials have raised their opinions regarding the upcoming installation of the new DILG Secretary,” Tinio said in press briefing held in Camp Crame on Tuesday.

”Pawang walang katotohanan ang mga napaulat na diumano’y hindi pagsang-ayon ng PMA Class ‘85 sa paghirang ng bagong kalihim ng DILG,” he added.

He said PMA Class 1985 did not issue any statement and stressed that they were not questioning the possibility of his appointment.

”After being alluded to in several reports, we wish to point out that we have never made any statement, formal or otherwise, as to the incoming leadership of the DILG. Being professional policemen, our stand and commitment is to support the government of duly elected men and its institutions and agencies as headed by its duly appointed authorities. Walang sinoman sa amin ang nasa hustong katayuan upang magpahayag ng opinyon tungkol sa mga mahahalagang desisyon ng mga pambansang pinuno kabilang na ang pagtatalaga ng matataas na opisyal sa mga sangay ng pamahalaan,” he explained.

He said their stand on the matter was to continue to support the government of duly elected men and the institution headed by appointed authorities.

He added that they would let the politicians do the politicking as they just continue on doing and performing their task and duties as law enforcers and public servants of the land.

”We are not in the business of questioning executive decisions, if there is any in this case. We appeal to those who are peddling this disinformation to spare us from their personal interest. We assure the public that our primary objective is to ensure public safety, and not to raise opinion or judge the decision of the national leadership.Kung sino man po ang itatalaga ng ating mahal na Pangulo Benigno S. Aquino III sa DILG ay buong pusong susuportahan ng hanay ng PMA Class ’85,” Tinio stressed.

The PMA Class 86, represented by Sr. Supt. Ronald Dela Rosa, also refuted the reports adding that they were completely ignorant of the move adding that they were professionals and disciplined officers .

“We are just workers in the government , we follow orders and we leave politics to the politicians. And we also hope that the politicians will leave the internal affairs of the PNP to the PNP,” Dela Rosa said.

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