STORY NO. 1
ROCO 2004 -- THAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE ---SENATORS
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ALTHOUGH MOST OF his former colleagues in the Senate were disheartened after former Senator turned Secretary of Education Raul Roco formally resigned his post, majority of them says his resignation is related to the presidential election in 2004.
Senate Majority Leader Loren Legarda expressed her disappointment at the resignation of Secretary Roco from the DepEd.
According to Legarda the resignation of Secretary Roco from the Arroyo cabinet is a big loss to the Arroyo administration.
"Nakalulungkot at nakakahinayang ngunit nirerespeto natin ang kanyang desisyon. Napakagaling ni Sec. Roco at siya ay naging masipag at epektibong secretary ng Education. Gaya ng sinabi ko ay nakakapanghinayang ang kanyang pag-alis sa Arroyo administration," Legarda said.
When asked why Secretary Roco resigned, Legarda said: "Siguro ay bunga nung alleged graft raps na inidorso ng Malacanang. It's really up to the Ombudsman to look into this allegations or charges, but to me, personally, they're a little bit flimsy and could be politically motivated."
Legarda added: "Based again on the papers, Malacanang has denied knowing about any endorsement of any graft charges, but Sec. Roco would not resign without basis. But of course the political motivation cannot be precluded. Maaaring may political motivation,"
Legarda said she will not be surprised if there will a move for Roco to run in 2004.
Legarda expressed: " Sa tingin ko ay malakas na contender si Sec. Roco para sa pagkapangulo ng ating bansa."
"Whatever it is, we wish Sec. Roco the best in his endeavours. He was a colleague. He continues to have our admiration and respect and we will support him in his future endeavors."
Legarda said Roco's joining the fight for 2004 could probably be a third force in Philippine politics.
Senator Robert Barbers in an interview echoed the same.
Barbers described Roco as a competent leader with a good reputation as public servant.
"Kahit ng Senador pa si Sec. Roco talagang magaling na siya. Napakalaki ng nagawa niya under his stewardship sa departamento ng Edukasyon. Sayang." Barbers said.
But Barbers did not deny the fact that Roco is a strong contender for the next election.
Independent Senator Noli de Castro said the DepEd Chief's resgination could be a mixture of compelling reason and apparently the most considerable was that of the graft charges against him.
De Castro said Roco is maintaining his delicadeza which is admirable and could be the prime reason why he opted to give up his post.
"Ayaw niyang makulayan ang imbestigasyon kung siya ay mananatili bilang kalihim. Siya ay may delicadeza at paninindigan"De Castro was quoted as saying.
De Castro said Roco's recent resignation is a big loss to the country.
"Isang malaking kawalan dahil siya ay isang mahusay na kalihim sa edukasyon" De Castro said.
But de Castro refused to directly link Roco's running for 2004.
"Bayaan na muna nating siyang ma vindicate." de Castro told Tonight.
Sen. Ramon Magsaysay jr. described Roco's resignation as "unfortunate."
"He is a big loss to the administration because he represents a good Filipino leader who is highly respected among his colleagues."Magsaysay said.
At the same time, the Senator from Zambales acknowledge that Roco has been doing his best to improve the education system in this country.
EDUCATION Secretary Raul Roco resigned from his post Tuesday. a day after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo endorsed a graft complaint against him by employees of the Department of Education.///camille p. balagtas
FIRST PART OF THE STORY. OTHER COMMENTS TO FOLLOW.