The manner in which a message to the President Aquino was conveyed through the media seemed to have further annoyed Malacañang which now hinted that it had no plans of caving in to the demand of a sacked government anti-drug agency official for a viable reason that would justify a decision to fire him.
In a press briefing, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte cited the need for Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) deputy executive director Carlos Gadapan and other presidential appointees to realize that they were working at the pleasure of the President who named them to government positions and that they are bound to go when the appointing authority doubts their capability to deliver results.
The PDEA deputy director general, in the letter signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, was relieved of his functions over what was claimed as “loss of confidence.”
“Well, we also have the same letter. And in my conversation with the executive secretary the other day, that was — loss of confidence is the only reason that was mentioned to us. And, as you know, all presidential appointees are aware of the fact that we all serve at the pleasure of the President and that you can be relieved at any point,” Valte said.
She would not confirm the investigation the President allegedly ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct on the request of Gadapan’s superior, the PDEA executive director himself.
“I do not know that. I don’t have that information. All I was told, when I was advised by the executive secretary to make the announcement of the relief, (was) that the deputy director general of the PDEA was being relieved for loss of confidence.”
Immediately after being informed of his relief, Gadapan went to various media outlets where he claimed to have been deprived of due process and said the PDEA executive director was the one who should be made to leave the drug agency for being on the take from drug syndicates.
For his part, PDEA director general Jose Gutierrez yesterday strongly belied the accusation that he was behind the decision of the Malacañang to oust his deputy. He said he had no knowledge that Gadapan was ousted since the order came directly from Malacañang.
“Personal issues had nothing to do with his ouster,” Gutierrez maintained.
Asked whether the Palace intended to make a deeper probe into Gadapan’s accusation, Valte appeared to confirm that an order was indeed issued by the President placing the entire drug agency under an investigation as an offshoot of Gadapan’s allagation that PDEA chief Jose Gutierrez was enriching himself with drug money being given to him regularly by syndicates wanting to avail of the protection of the government’s prime-drug-busting bureau.
Other than receiving bribes, Gadapan went on to accuse Gutierrez’ wife of being a heavy gambler even as he claimed that Mrs. Gutierrez frequented gaming hubs and gambled using PDEA funds.
“Perhaps he should communicate with his superiors or at least with the executive secretary if he has any sentiments about that. I am aware personally of the interview that he gave this morning. However, I cannot comment on the allegations that he made,” she added
Asked whether the President would be open to the possibility of hearing his side, the Palace mouthpiece said Aquino has always maintained objectivity and willingness to listen provided that Gadapan aired his sentiment at the proper forum.
Gadapan’s relief was the first time that Malacañang issued an order that gave no explanation behind the decision of the President.
Malacañang issued order ousting Gadapan as deputy director of PDEA on Monday.
Gadapan was relieved from his post due to “loss of confidence.”
On Tuesday morning, Gadapan face the media and accused Gutierrez of restricting his authority even before he was ousted from his post.
He said he was stripped off his powers after he informed Gutierrez about the heavy gambling of the PDEA chief’s wife.
But Gutierrez, he said, was “in disbelief” about the report on his wife’s heavy gambling.
On the other hand, Gutierrez offered to quit his post if the ongoing probe found that he neglected his duties or that his family members were involved in any anomalies.
Gutierrez added that he served at the pleasure of the President and if he is not contented with his work and accomplishment anymore then he will go.
Gadapan then claimed that he was willing to face investigation over his supposed shortcomings.
But he cried foul over his sudden relief accusing Gutierrez of orchestrating his relief.
Gadapan then said that he was not interested in being reinstated to his post at PDEA but wanted to clear his name.
“I have worked hard in the agency,” Gadapan added, noting that he even played a major role in convincing lawmakers to restore P100-million in the PDEA’s budget.