LAMBIGIT (Centrist Democratic Movement Federation of the Philippines)

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has appointed Jesse Robredo, a former head of the national association of city mayors, as head of the Interior and Local Government Department, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said Friday.

The President held the post in a concurrent capacity from June 30 until he tapped Robredo, a former Naga City mayor and who led the League of Cities of the Philippines in 1995.

Mr. Aquino has also appointed retired National Police director Magtanggol Gatdula as head of the National Bureau of Investigation and Angelito Banayo, a former political adviser to then President Joseph Estrada and Senator Panfilo Lacson, as administrator of the National Food Authority.

He named Dante Lantin as officer in charge of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Vice President Jejomar Binay had expressed interest in the Interior post, having been a former mayor of Makati City, but the President did not consider him.

Robredo became the youngest city mayor in 1988. He then became known for transforming Naga into a progressive city, which in 1999 earned the local government a citation from Asiaweek magazine for being one of the “Most Improved Cities in Asia.”

He was also the first and only Filipino mayor to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 2000.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Land Transportation Office chief Virginia Torres on Friday urged family and friends not to take advantage of her position by ignoring traffic rules or seeking special treatment.

“I appeal to you,” she said. “Be a good example.”

Torres made her plea as she took over from Alberto Suansing. She later told reporters that the President had ordered her to improve the agency she now heads, which has gained the reputation of being corrupt.

Torres, formerly assistant Transport secretary, is only the third woman to head the LTO. Joyce Pangco Pañares and Roy Pelovello