Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno is on'authorized' leave, in contrast to a senator's claim that he did not get the authorization of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, an official of the Department of Interior and Local Government said on Wed.. Acting DILG Secretary Melchor Rosales announced Puno's request to leave for the united states was given approval last Sep eight. Puno was in Virginia because his other half Pinky was undergoing major surgery. He'll be back in the country on October 12. 'Secretary Ronnie Puno is on allowed leave. In truth, na-approve ito noong [this was approved] Sep 8 at mayroon akong [yet and I have a] designation to be acting secretary from Sep 28 up to twelve October,' Rosales announced after attending a budget hearing in the Senate. The official was obviously replying to Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago's query about Puno's absence in the country particularly during the time of tempest'Ondoy' that left many people snuffed out. Santiago recounted Puno should be held liable together with some mayors for their poor reply to the tragedy due to the tempest. But even without Puno, Rosales recounted the agency has been doing its job to help the victims of the calamity. 'Para makabalik sa [So that we will return to] normalcy, we have to take away the evacuees from elementary colleges na kung maaari magamit na sa pag-aaral ng mga bata [so that the children could use this for their schooling],' he recounted. 'In acceptance of that, I announced a law to all local govts to spot other primary evacuation centers where evacuees at this time can be brought,' he pointed out. As of tuesday, Rosales claimed there were still 26 faculties that were being used as evacuation centers. More Ronnie Puno Related News:Opposition Hallucinating About 2010 Poll Cheating Gibo Teodoro-Ronnie Puno - A Team to Beat Friends Behind Ronnie Puno InfomercialsDILG, Philhealth to give free health insurance to barangay officials in Ifugao