We also asked the PM about the decision to bring back Florencio Marin Junior as the Minister of Defence and Border Security. In March he was removed form that ministry and effectively demoted with a transfer to Rural Development and Labour. And just last Tuesday he was re-assigned to Public Service and Disaster Risk Management.
And now. He's back at defence, after being unceremoniously stripped off that portfolio 8 months ago.
Here's what the PM said about that:
Jules Vasquez
"Why is he being returned to a ministry when there is that blight hanging over it?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I think it's important to point out that the initial plan was to keep Minister Mira at the defense. But when I asked Minister Mira to take over Home Affairs, then we had to get someone that has some experience."
"And Minister Marin has had experience not only as a trained soldier, but also being of the minister. What's important to point out that we have a new CEO, like Francis Usher, very, very highly competent, highly competent, and transparent, and hardworking young man."
"And I believe that he, along with Minister Marin, will then be able to correct those issues because many of those things happen below the minister level. And so with him being there, ensuring that we follow the process, it's important to point out that yes, there have been some instances that some contracts have been given under the 10,000."
"But we have pointed out to the minister to ensure that we refrain from that. Many instances the soldiers need food. And so the only way they can get that done is to try to quickly give those small contracts, to quickly get the food and the supplies to the BDF."
"But I can assure you that that will not, that's something that will be continued, a practice that will continue in the Ministry of Defense."
Jules Vasquez
"If I can be a little bit, take an interpretation, it seems like you're holding, of holding corrupt practices, Prime Minister."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Absolutely not. Absolutely not. And I could assure you that, and I've mentioned it to the cabinet again, that more than ever, people are watching everything that we do. What we did under, for instance, under the Musa government, when there is no social media, or even under the Barrow administration, you could get away with, for better or for worse."
"But now we cannot. People are more, because of social media, people are more aware of what's going on. And I tell everybody in cabinet, there is no secrets. And so don't think that we'll be doing things and it will not come out to light."
"It will come out to light. So ensure that whatever you do, it is something that you're doing in the best interest of the Ministry, the government, and of the people, and that they can defend what you do."
