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[av_heading heading=’ Amid corruption, abuse of power allegations | Duterte sacks Interior secretary Mike Sueno’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
By Prince Golez, Manila Reporter
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MANILA – Ismael “Mike” Sueno has been dismissed from his post as secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for “loss of trust and confidence.”
President Rodrigo Duterte fired him during their 14th Cabinet Meeting on April 3, according to presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella on Tuesday.
“The President had earlier asked a few questions of Mr. Sueno but the summary dismissal served as a warning that Mr. Duterte would not countenance any questionable or legally untenable decisions by any member of the Cabinet,” Abella said.
The sacked DILG secretary had been accused of corruption and abusing his power by several undersecretaries – John Castriciones for operations; Jesus Hinlo for public safety; and Emilie Padilla for legislative liaison and special concerns.
Sueno allegedly collected grease money from illegal gambling operators through his police grandson.
Defending himself against accusations, the ex-governor of South Cotabato said that Castriciones, Hinlo, and Padilla were the ones engaged in corrupt practices and conspired to remove him from office. He also refuted claims that he went to Austria with his family to purchase 76 allegedly overpriced firetrucks.
“Totoo ‘yan na nagpunta ako ng Austria. Itong deal na ito, this is a done deal. Na-approve pa ito noong panahon ni [former Interior secretary Mar] Roxas. Pinuntahan ko lang iyon para makuha ang second batch, sayang din naman ‘di ba?” he explained.
Abella said the active role of Sueno during Duterte’s presidential campaign “did not deter the President from pursuing his drive for a trustworthy government by addressing issues like corruption.”
Sueno, meanwhile, expressed he “wholeheartedly” accepts Duterte’s decision to fire him, but maintained that he is not corrupt.
“I just wished the information was validated. If only the President asked DILG personnel from the central down to the regional and field offices, he would have known who amongst us are more credible and trustworthy,” Sueno said.
He insisted that his conscience is clear and that he is not involved in any anomaly.
“I believe that I did my best and I gave my whole heart to the job. I am also fortunate to have been given a chance to work with a dedicated and passionate workforce in the DILG,” he ended. /PN
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