Aquino won’t sack Lina, Tolentino

Staying put. President Benigno Aquino III might not sack Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina (left) and MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino despite criticisms against them, says Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma. INQUIRER FILE

It’s unlikely that President Benigno Aquino III will listen to calls to sack Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chair Francis Tolentino.

In a note sent to media, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said it would be unfair to ask for the resignation of an official every time there was a disagreement.

Both Lina and Tolentino have recently been receiving flak from the public — Lina for his earlier plan to physically inspect balikbayan boxes and Tolentino for the worsening traffic in the metropolis.

Tolentino was also criticized for joining an event of Liberal Party presidential bet and Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II in Cebu. Netizens said he should be focusing on the traffic problem instead of supposedly campaigning for Roxas

“Sa aking pagkabatid, patuloy na nagtitiwala ang Pangulo sa kakayahan nilang dalawa,” Coloma said.

(As far as I know, the President continues to trust the capabilities of the two officials).

“Sina Commissioner Lina at Chairman Tolentino ay mayroong mabibigat na responsibilidad na sinisikap nilang gampanan sa pinakamahusay na paraan. Sa pagganap ng tungkulin, hindi lahat ng kanilang pinapahayag ay sinasangayunan ng mga naaapektuhan o maaaring maapektuhan ng kanilang mga desisyon o aksyon,” he explained.

(Commissioner Lina and Chairman Tolentino have heavy responsibilities that they need to accomplish through the best possible way. In accomplishing their tasks, not all of their statements will be agreed upon by those who are affected or may be affected by their decisions and actions.)  –Kristine Angeli Sabillo