PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: We’d like to give a short statement on the selection of the OIC for the ERC.

The four commissioners will be meeting among themselves to select who among them they will choose to be the officer-in-charge.

Traditionally, the most senior officer is selected and this statement is according to the Office of the Executive Secretary. 

Q: So sir, how many months talaga ‘yung suspension?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: I cannot give you specific… I think [three] months. I’m not sure. I’m not sure. I will have to verify. 

Q: Sir, sila-sila ‘yung nagde-decide?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Sila-sila but they will…  They will choose among themselves the most senior. Then, that’s the traditional mode of doing it. 

Q: Sir, there have been reports na si Commissioner Alfredo Non ang naitalaga ng OIC ng ERC?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA:  Well, if he is the most senior then he probably—

Q: Automatic naman ‘yun?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA:  If he is the most senior among themselves. All right?

Q: Sir, regarding DENR, hindi ba affected ‘yung operation no’n considering na — ‘yung isa-sign if ever ‘yung mga documents, eh walang OIC?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Well, ang mangyayari po niyan, the programs will continue as already… Programs and (operations?) will continue and it will run.

However, we expect, we expect an officer to be in place soon.

Q: Sir, ‘yung ongoing na mining audit, sir?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Ano po?

Q: ‘Yung ongoing na audit ng mga mining firms?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: I suppose that will be continued by the — by the incoming.

Q: Sir, si Ellen Tordesillas po may statement na President Duterte is the source of fake news because he gives unsubstantiated claims. Reax lang, sir.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: I think Ellen Tordesillas is a little bit off. The President does not make unsubstantiated claims. He actually gives his opinion on certain things that have —  that have basis in fact.

Q: Usec, suportado po ba ng Palace ‘yung proseso na isasagawa sa ERC sa pagpili ng OIC?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Opo, in fact that was as stated by ES.

Q: Sir, remember sa Peru galit na galit siya sa ERC, ba’t parang nandon… Iyong mga pinapagalitan niya na mga commissioner. 

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Antayin na lang po natin na ano, antayin natin na—

Q: In fact, he said he wants to abolish the ERC. Anong nangyari na doon, sir, sa abolition of ERC?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Antayin na po natin kung papaano ang susunod na kabanata.

Q: Sir, ‘yung 90-day suspension tatapusin muna ‘yun bago mag — pumili ng mga, bago pumili sila ng chair?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: As far as I understand it, it will… They will be doing it soon. 

Q: Not necessarily tapusin ‘yung 90 days?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Iyan ang pagkakaintindi ko, I may be, I may be ano… All right? Thank you very much.

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