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Tudela: DPS behind Camacho
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Posted on Apr 22 2002
Acting Public Safety Commissioner Sandy Tudela Friday dispelled rumors of a so-called initiative among DPS personnel to unseat commissioner Edward C. Camacho, in the face of a pending issue on his active military duty status with the US Army Service.
“[I want] to make something clear. There are no plans among DPS staff to seek the removal of the commissioner. If we [have to] wait six or nine months, we will wait for him to come back. I just hope that the Army releases him to DPS soon,” said Tudela, who was appointed by Camacho as his deputy commissioner for operations.
Camacho has gone on military leave and has also temporarily turned over his official DPS duties to Tudela and deputy commissioner for administration Franklin Babauta, while he finalizes his release papers from the Army.
In his absence, the two deputies are expected to carry out the mission of the department.
“There’s nothing to panic about. He has given us his guidance. We ask his advice every now and then. We have already tackled this in some of the leadership trainings. He has given us the opportunity to do what we got to do. And we’re empowering every section in the department, to carry on what they need to do,” said Babauta.
The deputy DPS chief explained that finalizing release papers with the military is “not a quick” process.
Babauta further clarified that Camacho’s acceptance of a government position while on active military duty status was not unlawful, noting that he had every right to accept the promotion.
“If you are working in a civilian capacity and you get called up [to a higher position], there’s nothing that tells you that you cannot get promoted. By law, we are protected. If there’s a promotion, the promotion board cannot deny me [just] because I am on active duty,” said Babauta.
Camacho is hoping to be released from the Army no later than April 30, 2002. According to him, his release date has been postponed at least five times in the last few months.
