Malacañang on Wednesday, August 26, said President Benigno Aquino trusts Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino.

Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said that despite calls for Lina and Tolentino to resign, these two officials enjoy the President’s trust.

Lina’s decision on the random inspection of balikbayan boxes drew the ire of the public, especially overseas Filipino workers, while the MMDA head is being criticized for the horrendous traffic in the metropolis.

“Sa aking pagkabatid, patuloy na nagtitiwala ang Pangulo sa kakayahan nilang dalawa,” Secretary Coloma said.

“Sina Commissioner Lina at Chairman Tolentino ay mayroong mabibigat na responsibilidad na sinisikap nilang gampanan sa pinakamahusay na paraan,” he further said.

“Sa pagganap ng tungkulin, hindi lahat ng kanilang pinapahayag ay sinasang-ayunan ng mga naaapektuhan o maaaring maapektuhan ng kanilang mga desisyon o aksyon. Hindi naman makatuwiran na tuwing may hindi pagsangayon, hihilingin kaagad ang pagbibitiw ng mga opisyal na tulad nila.”

Tolentino is believed to be running for a senatorial post under the administration ticket in next year’s elections.