The Philippine Online Chronicles

Palace on Saturday defended former agrarian reform secretary Rene Villa’s appointment as an acting member of the Board of Trustees of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said it was unfair to say that Villa was only chosen because he was part of the “Hyatt 10,” the ten Cabinet officials who withdrew their support for former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after the “Hello Garci” poll-fraud scandal.

Valte said, “When Villa’s capabilities were assessed, he was found capable of discharging duties as acting LWUA head.”

Villa was appointed to replace Prospero Pichay Jr. who was dismissed last July for an alleged misuse of the P780-million agency funds allocated for the acquisition of a Laguna-based thrift bank in 2009. He was dismissed on grounds of grave misconduct and violation of Republic Act no. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Valte said President Aquino is very confident that Villa will not do what Pichay allegedly did.

She also dismissed comments that defeated Liberal Party candidates are being given government posts.

“That’s assuming too much at this point," she said, adding that familiarity with the individual might be a factor for President Aquino.

Valte said the President signed the appointment last Aug. 24 but did not confirm whether Aquino sent a letter asking that Villa be made the new chairman of the board.

"He will have to be elected by the board... there needs to be an election in the board before [anyone] is named chairman and general manager," Valte said.

Later, Villa announced over a radio interview that he was elected to the LWUA Board.