On Tuesday, Mr. Duterte fired Ridon and PCUP’s four commissioners whom he said were notorious for going on “junkets abroad.” The PCUP also failed to submit reports to him about its poverty alleviation programs, the President added. But according to Ridon, all their programs and activities were submitted to the Office of the Cabinet Secretary which has supervision over PCUP. Another reason Mr. Duterte gave for sacking Ridon was his numerous trips abroad, with the President questioning Ridon’s acceptance of every international invitation that came his way. The PCUP commissioners fired along with Ridon were Melissa Aradanas, Manuel L. Serra Jr., Joan Lagunda and Noe Indonto. The President said he was looking for Ridon’s replacement—someone who would be from the urban poor but with the brains for the job.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 14, 2017 22:41 UTC