Saludo hits Mendoza’s DOTC appointment

The appointment of outgoing PNP Chief Leandro Mendoza as Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary replacing Pantaleon Alvarez, hits a snag when ranking members of said the Commission on Appointments expressed strong opposition to his selection.

In a press statement, Congressman Aniceto Saludo, vice-chairman of the House contingent to the Commission on Appointments, said that “Mendoza is the wrong man for such a critical job.”

The Southern Leyte solon urged President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to recall Mendoza’s appointment to the transportation department because he is “not only unfit but totally bereft of any professional and technical experience, training and expertise to handle a highly technology-based portfolio like the DOTC. He has nothing to show in terms of experience as far as aviation, telecommunications, information technology, shipping and others, are concerned.”

“I have nothing against the person of General Mendoza.  I just believe that having been in the police force for most of his career, he could be more effective in the local government department than in the DOTC”, Saludo explained.

Saludo said that there have been so many setbacks in investment in the transportation, telecommunication and information technology sectors for the past two years that caused the confirmation of Alvarez to be repeatedly bypassed by the Commission on Appointments.

He said government should by now have realized the importance of the DOTC portfolio.  “We should appoint only those who are technically and professionally capable to handle the DOTC,” he stressed.

He also said “I don’t see how the country’s top police officer could hack it as the transport and communication czar and lead the country’s battles in the global arena of information technology, telecommunications, aviation, shipping and satellite system.  There is nothing in Mendoza’s credential as PNP Chief that could help him tackle the highly diverse and complex world of communications, global transportation and information technology.”

The solon also assured Malacañang that Mendoza would have a hard time at the Commission on Appointments.  “He has not been able to solve the celebrated murder case of Nida Blanca, when solving crime-related problems is supposed to be his forte. And now the Palace thinks Mendoza can make it big in the communications and transportation field?” Saludo expressed.

Meanwhile, another ranking CA member, Rep. Jacinto Paras (Lakas, Negros Oriental) also criticized Mendoza’s performance as PNP chief. “If as PNP chief he failed to make creditable performance in fighting illegal gambling acitivities and criminality, I don’t think he will do better as DOTC Secretary,” Paras said. “May be the President is reciprocating the military’s support for her administration by appointing Mendoza.”

(Released on June 21, 2002)