Puno Condoles with Remonde's Family

January 19, 2010

Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday expressed deep sadness over the passing away of his friend, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde whom he called a versatile and hardworking public official.

Nothing Surprising over Santiago's String of Unfounded, Rehashed Allegations

January 18, 2010

An official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government said yesterday it did not surprise them anymore that Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago would hurl a string of unfounded and rehashed allegations against DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno,  given her long-standing agenda of vilifying her political nemesis whom she has wrongly blamed for her defeat in the 1992 presidential elections.

Adiong Sworn in as Acting ARMM Governor

December 10, 2009

Vice Governor Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was sworn in yesterday morning by Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronnie Puno as acting governor of the ARMM, replacing Zaldy Ampatuan.

Puno Orders Zaldy Ampatuan to Answer Complaint in Connection with Maguindanao Massacre

December 2, 2009

Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday ordered Governor Zaldy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to answer within a non-extendible period of five days the complaint filed against him by Buluan vice mayor Ibrahim Mangudadatu in connection with the massacre of 57 unarmed civilians in the ARMM province of Maguindanao.

Puno Takes Swift Action over Mangudadatu's Complaint

December 1, 2009

Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)  yesterday ordered an immediate evaluation of the complaint filed by Buluan Vice Mayor Ibrahim Mangudadatu seeking the investigation of Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for his failure to protect the “civil, human and political” rights of 57 unarmed civilians massacred in the ARMM province of Maguindanao last week.

Puno Creates Task Force to Assist in ARMM Supervision, Inspect Region's Financial Records

December 1, 2009

Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)  has ordered the creation of a task force to assist him in exercising his powers of general supervision over the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), including the conduct of financial reviews and ensuring that the functions of the local chief executives in the area are performed in accordance with the law.

Puno - Government has Taken Forceful Measures in Maguindanao

November 26, 2009

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronnie Puno said Thursday the government has quietly taken an array of forceful measures meant to bring to justice all those responsible for the massacre of at least 57 people in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao and at the same time restore peace and order in the province.

Gibo Picks Edu Manzano as Running Mate

November 13, 2009

Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, the Lakas-Kampi CMD’s presidential candidate in the May 2010 elections,  yesterday picked TV host and former Optical Media Board (OMB) chairman Edu Manzano as his running mate, with both of them citing the key role played by Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronnie Puno in forging the powerhouse tandem.

Committee on Decentralization Created

November 9, 2009

Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced yesterday the creation of  the Coordinating Committee on Decentralization (CCD) tasked to address problems and issues concerning the implementation of the government’s decentralization program. 

Puno Rejects MILF Request to Send Company-Size Contingent to Communicate with Sinnott Captors

November 3, 2009

Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday rejected outright a request by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)  to send a company-size delegation of its members to communicate with the kidnappers of Irish priest Michael Sinnott.

Local Execs Asked to Comply with Solid Waste Management Act to Address Garbage Problem

October 29, 2009

Because of the huge waste and garbage mess caused by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in Metro Manila and in nearby provinces, Secretary Ronnie V. Puno today called on all local chief executives to strictly implement and comply with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9003.

Puno Withdraws VP Bid

October 23, 2009
Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government yesterday announced that he was withdrawing his bid for the vice presidency, citing  his desire and commitment to serve the people through the DILG during these difficult times as  the reason for his surprise decision.

Puno Ordered PNP to Deploy New Rubber Boats to Typhoon Endangered Areas in Northern Luzon

October 21, 2009
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronnie Puno yesterday ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to immediately deploy its newly procured rubber boats to Northern Luzon provinces expected to be battered by typhoon “Ramil” to augment the government’s preparations for rescue and relief operations in these endangered areas.

Prepare for Typhoon Ramil - Puno Asks Local Execs in Central and Northern Luzon

October 19, 2009
Secretary Ronnie V. Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling on all governors, city and municipal mayors in central and northern Luzon, particularly of the provinces of Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, Apayao and Batanes group of islands to immediately activate their respective Local Disaster Coordinating Councils (LDCCs) as typhoon “Ramil” is expected to make a landfall in the country in the next two days.

Puno Urges LGUs to Undertake Greater Role in Protecting Children in Conflict with the Law

October 18, 2009
Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling on local chief executives to undertake  “greater responsibility” in implementing intervention programs that would promote the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders or children in conflict with the law (CICL) in their respective communities.

33 New Firetrucks Augment BFP Capability in Typhoon Affected Areas

October 16, 2009
In order to keep up with the sudden surge in the need for flushing affected areas in the wake of Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng and providing water to evacuees and stranded families, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) immediately acquired 33 units of firetrucks through emergency purchase and deployed them in the National Capital Region and CALABARZON areas.

LGUs Urged to Identify Socialized Housing, Resettlement Sites for Victims of Recent Calamities

October 15, 2009
In an effort to help thousands of families displaced by the recent typhoons that hit the country, Secretary Ronnie V. Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) today called on all city and municipal mayors to identify lands for socialized housing and resettlement areas in compliance with the provisions of the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 or Republic Act 7279.

Close to 100% of LGUs Have Citizen's Charters

October 14, 2009
Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) today said close to 100 percent of the country’s provinces, cities and municipalities have already completed their respective Citizen’s Charters, a document that government agencies and local governments should formulate to eliminate red tape in their transactions.

DILG Eyes 25,000 New Cops by 2010

October 11, 2009
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) aims to hire at least 25,000 new policemen by 2010 to strengthen the capability of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in maintaining peace and order.

Puno and Local Chief Execs Meet to Craft New Disaster Protocols

October 10, 2009
Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government has met with local chief executives of calamity-stricken provinces, cities and municipalities to craft a new set of disaster control and rescue protocols in the aftermath of typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng.”

DILG Pushing Annual Funding for RPOCs

October 9, 2009
Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronnie V. Puno is working for a budgetary allocation for Regional Peace and Order Councils (RPOCs) in the country amid the growing need to step up the fight against criminal elements, communist insurgents and Muslim separatist groups.

DILG Holds Dialogue with LGUs Today on Post Ondoy Reconstruction

October 8, 2009
Acting Secretary Melchor P. Rosales of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will hold a dialogue today (October 9, 2009) with local authorities of calamity areas to assess the situation in their respective localities after Typhoon Ondoy and take concrete steps to move on.

Complete Clean Up Drive in 62% of Barangays

October 7, 2009
Following the instruction of President Arroyo for local government units affected by Typhoon “Ondoy” to clean up within 72 hours, a total of 211 or 62 percent of the 342 typhoon-struck barangays in Metro Manila have already completed their clean-up activities of major thoroughfares and streets in their respective localities.

LGUs Come to the Aid of Typhoon-Struck LGUs

October 6, 2009
In times of calamities, the bayanihan spirit is still alive, even among local government units (LGUs).

Puno says 10,000 New Cops to Help Bridge Police-People Ratio

October 4, 2009
Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government has called on lawmakers to approve the DILG proposal to hire 10,000 new police officers next year, saying such a plan will significantly improve the police-population ratio by 8% to one cop for every 649 people.

LGUs Told to Mobilize Local Disaster Councils in Time for Pepeng

October 2, 2009
As the nation braces for the onslaught of Typhoon “Pepeng”, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) today enjoined provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and punong barangays  nationwide to effectively mobilize their respective Local Disaster Coordinating Councils (LDCCs) to ensure that all necessary preparations have been made to cushion the impact of the said typhoon.

DILG Urges Unaffected LGUs to Help Calamity Stricken LGUs Brace for Pepeng

October 2, 2009
Lend a helping hand.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) today called on all local government units (LGUs) that were not affected by the recent typhoon to support and extend financial assistance to LGUs declared as calamity areas, even as the Department urged them to make the necessary preparations for Typhoon “Pepeng”.

DILG Presents P64.54 Billion Budget Proposal Before Congress

October 1, 2009
Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government has presented before the House of Representatives the DILG’s proposed P64.547 billion budget for 2010, which includes provisions for the hiring of 10,000 new policemen and a total of 1,000 new officers for the jail and fire protection bureaus.

Puno Fires Off Directives on Rescue Relief Efforts for Ondoy Victims

September 28, 2009
Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government  yesterday fired off a series of directives to DILG and police officials on expediting rescue and relief efforts for victims of typhoon “Ondoy” before leaving for a short trip abroad.

Puno Spells Out Initiatives for LGUs Peace and Order

September 23, 2009
Secretary Ronnie Puno has said that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has put in place a wide gamut of initiatives to further empower local government units (LGUs) and maintain peace and order and public safety as a way to achieve better self-governance and make the Philippines an ideal haven for investments and long-term growth.

Puno Welcomes Roxas' Decision to Run for VP

September 21, 2009
Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government(DILG) yesterday welcomed the decision of Sen. Mar Roxas to vie for the vice presidency under the Liberal Party banner in the May 2010 elections.

NAPOLCOM Launches PNP Manual on Dealing with Juvenile Offenders

September 20, 2009
The National Police Commission (Napolcom)  has formally launched its manual for members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to guide them on how to deal with children in conflict with the law (CICL) as spelled out in the the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

Puno to Lead Oathtaking of Cavite Barangay Peacekeeping Teams

September 18, 2009
TRECE MARTIRES CITY—Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will swear in tomorrow (Sept. 20)  as members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Teams (BPATs) some 5,600 volunteers from the province of Cavite  during simple oathtaking rites to be held at the provincial capitol here.

Opposition Hallucinating about 2010 Poll Cheating

September 18, 2009
Assistant Secretary Brian Raymund Yamsuan of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday scoffed at claims of government-staged cheating in the 2010 elections as “mere hysterics from delusional men” who foresee the imminent electoral defeat of the mainstream opposition in the hands of the powerhouse “Gibo-Ronnie” tandem of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

BFP Share of Estimated P1B to P1.5B Fire Code Revenues to Fund Fire Fighting Modernization Program

September 13, 2009
Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronnie V. Puno has said that a sustained modernization program for the Bureau of Fire Protection is now guaranteed because the BFP’s 80% share of the projected P1 billion to P1.5 billion in annual revenues from the fire code fees will be dedicated to modernization.

Puno Throws Support Behind Gibo's Presidential Bid

September 9, 2009
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronnie Puno yesterday threw his support behind the presidential bid of Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo”  Teodoro, saying he believes that the Lakas-Kampi CMD will have a strong standard bearer in the person of the young Cabinet official.

Puno Cites NAPOLCOM Role in Professionalizing PNP

September 9, 2009
Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government has underscored the pivotal role played by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in further professionalizing the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP), citing at least four milestones that helped accomplish such goal and underscored the “rebirth” of the agency following 43 years of its existence.

DILG Setup Local Child Protection Councils in 24,000 Barangays

September 6, 2009
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has helped set up Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPCs)  in a total of 24,093 barangays,  54 provinces, 101 cities and 963 municipalities nationwide as of the first semester of 2009, in step with its heightened campaign to uphold the welfare and rights of Filipino minors.

DILG Budget Rises by 44 Percent on Puno's Watch

September 4, 2009
The budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government has gone up 44%  on the watch of Secretary Ronnie Puno from P43.681 billion in 2006 to P62.937 billion this year, enabling the DILG to hire more policemen and public safety officers, procure additional equipment to better maintain peace and order, and increase the salaries and pensions of its rank-and-file.

Puno Calls on Mindanao Local Execs to Actively Participate in GRP-MILF Talks

August 30, 2009
Secretary of Interior and Local Government Ronnie Puno has called on local officials in Mindanao to participate actively in talks aimed at defining the thrust, direction and agenda of the government’s peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that would resume soon to make sure that any peace agreement that could be agreed upon would be responsive to the actual realities of Mindanao.

Puno Says Police Operations to Continue Amid Upcoming GRP-MILF Peace Talks

August 26, 2009
Mindanao will not see a cessation of police operations against criminals even if there will be a suspension of offensive military operation (SOMO) during the upcoming peace talks between the Philippine government panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), according to Secretary of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronnie Puno.

PGMA Orders DILG to Step Up Campaign VS Speed Violators

August 25, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo yesterday ordered Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to intensify the  campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP) against drivers of overspeeding vehicles and other violators of traffic laws and regulations.

DILG Did Not Spend for Infomercials

August 24, 2009
The government did not spend a single centavo for the production and airing of the infomercials highlighting the accomplishments of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, DILG assistant secretary Brian Raymund Yamsuan said yesterday.

DILG has Taken Prompt Decisive Steps to Comply with SC Ruling on Manila Bay Cleanup

August 24, 2009
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has taken prompt and decisive steps to comply with a December 2008 ruling of the Supreme Court directing a dozen government agencies to oversee the clean up, rehabilitation and preservation of Manila Bay.

DILG Empowers Women Children Via Barangay Human Rights Program

August 23, 2009
Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government has called on local chief executives to support the DILG’s training initiatives on the barangay human rights program, which seeks to empower vulnerable sectors like women and children in pursuing justice through heightened awareness about their basic rights and the country’s judicial system.

PNP to Come Up with Rewards System as Part of Crackdown VS Loose Firearms Puno

August 20, 2009
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will establish a rewards program for persons who can pinpoint the existence of loose firearms after the end of the gun amnesty period on October 31, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronnie Puno said yesterday.

Puno Extolls SAF Other Police Heroes

August 18, 2009
Secretary of Interior and Local Government Ronnie Puno has extolled the enormous sacrifices and dedication to service   of the members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) even as he paid tribute to the heroism of the SAF members and all other PNP members who have died in line of duty.

Kung Ano Ang Puno

August 17, 2009
The first time he faced the movie press a few weeks ago — his “baptism of fire,” I should say — DILG Sec. Ronnie Puno hardly talked about politics (except to confirm that he is running for vice president in 2010) and revealed that he’s a fan of the inspiring ABS-CBN soap May Bukas Pa. Prodded to give a sample of his singing prowess, Ronnie obliged with not only a line from the soap’s theme song but the whole song, earning a heartfelt applause from the movie press.

BFP Modernization Program on Track Puno

August 16, 2009
The modernization program of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is on track with the acquisition of 100 firetrucks this year alone and the pooling of money under a special trust fund to help sustain the agency’ modernization targets, according to Secretary of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronnie Puno.

DILG to Ask Congress to Provide More Funds for Barangay Officials Benefits

August 9, 2009
The Department of the Interior and Local Government is set to ask Congress to allocate more funds for the benefits due barangay officials, such as the payment of their premiums under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), DILG Secretary Ronnie Puno has said.

Pro-Puno Group Launched

August 9, 2009
MANILA, Philippines - Businessmen and congressmen supporting Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno recently launched their group Friends of Ronnie (FOR) to highlight and “increase public awareness on the accomplishments of the DILG under Puno’s helm.”

And Why is Ronnie Puno Now Clad in Yellow

August 8, 2009
MANILA -- Could the man wearing the late Corazon Aquino's battle color make as much history?

Friends of Ronnie Group Launched

August 7, 2009
A group backing the advocacy of Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government to empower local government units and establish a new breed of law enforcers and public safety officers was launched Friday night, with initially over 100 members comprising the country’s business leaders and lawmakers pledging their support behind the DILG chief.

DILG and Philhealth Project to Give Free Health Insurance to 1M Barangay Officials and Their Families

World Loses Democracy Public Governance Icon with Corys Death Says Puno

Lakas-Kampi Majority No Longer for Cha-cha-Puno

July 31, 2009
MANILA - Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Friday that majority of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD members no longer support Charter change (Cha-cha) moves led by House Speaker Prospero Nograles. 

DILG PNP Asking Congress to Slap Stricter Penalty Against Illegal Gun Possession

PNPs Women and Childrens Desks Now Present in Every Municipality

July 29, 2009

Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on victims of exploitation and abuse to seek help by going to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Philippine National Police that have been established in every PNP municipal station in the country. 

DILG Strengthening Women Children Protection Desks

July 22, 2009

Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government  has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to strengthen and expand its Women and Children Protection Desks (WCPDs) nationwide by establishing partnerships with nongovernment organizations and continuously training and familiarizing police officers on promoting the rights of women and children.

Women Now Comprise 10 Percent of PNP

Female cops, who now comprise 10% of the country’s 120,000-strong police force, are being tapped by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to supervise its Women and Children Protection Desks (WCPDs) nationwide, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronnie Puno.

Massive Drive Vs Loose Firearms to Follow Gun Amnesty

July 24, 2009

Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said a massive crackdown against loose firearms will follow a one-month gun amnesty program that would be implemented by the government starting October this year as part of the intensified efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to maintain peace and order.

Next Challenge for LGUs to Optimize Corporate Authority-Puno

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronnie Puno has said that the “next frontier” that local government units (LGUs) should explore  and master is the realm of their corporate authority to generate more funds for their development programs by way of setting up enterprises and operating them like private corporations. 

Puno Wants LGUs to Have Greater Say in Government Projects Implemented at Local Level

July 26, 2009

Local government units should be given a substantial voice in the decision-making process for development projects selected by the national government on their behalf by giving them official representation in national agencies and offices that oversee countryside development and other LGU-related concerns. 

DILG Stepping Up Implementation of Anti Red Tape Project

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will step up the implementation of its anti-red tape project this year and closely  monitor the compliance of local government units (LGUs) in formulating their respective “citizens’ charters” that would guide citizens on how to quickly avail of frontline government services at the community level.

Puno Orders Heightened Campaign Vs Red Tape in LGUs

Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered a stepped-up campaign at the local government units on the implementation of the anti-red tape law in line with ongoing efforts to help LGUs improve the delivery of services to their respective constituencies.

Anti Red Tape Campaign to Heighten Government Transparency

An ongoing program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to eliminate red tape at the municipal and city levels will promote transparency in public governance by doing away with practices that impede day-to-day government transactions, according to Secretary Ronnie Puno.