EX-SENATOR MAR ROXAS II JOINING CABINET: WILL BE NOY'S TROUBLESHOOTER
MANILA, JANUARY 8, 2011 (STAR) By Delon Porcalla – President Aquino disclosed yesterday that former Sen. Manuel Roxas II would definitely join his Cabinet as a "troubleshooter" by June when the one-year ban on the appointment to government of losing candidates in the elections last May expires.
"He (Roxas) might be one of my chief troubleshooters. There's something that needs more intense attention that I'm asking him to do, that is, if he is willing," Aquino told reporters shortly after the New Year vin d'honneur.
Aquino said he and Roxas are still in the process of detailing how his former running mate could help the government, especially since they agree on how the reform agenda could be pushed in the shortest possible time.
"We are still threshing out the details because the end of the ban will take effect on June 30. But I will really be tapping his expertise in so many aspects," Aquino explained.
[Photo - President Aquino talks with Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa during the PPP Summit opening at Marriot Hotel November 19, 2010 1:31 am]
There are also speculations that Roxas might replace Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., who said is he is not bothered by such rumors since he is aware that all Cabinet members serve at the pleasure of the President.
"I, like everybody else, serve at the pleasure of the President," Ochoa told radio dzRH.
"They are always in constant touch with each other," he added, referring to the chief executive's conversations with Roxas, president of the Liberal Party that includes Aquino.
The President, however, refused to identify who among the current Cabinet members would be affected by the minor revamp this month, hinting that only one or two might have to go, while two or three might be reshuffled in the sub-Cabinet level.
"Can I just announce it when it's finally done? We're still talking to some of the other people. But this is a very, very minor (revamp)," said Aquino.
One of the secretaries that might be replaced is acting Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, whose replacement is reportedly Cavite Rep. Ireneo Maliksi, an LP stalwart and former Cavite governor.
Reports said that Robredo would be transferred to the Presidential Commission on Urban Poor.
Former Bukidnon Rep. Nereus Acosta, a defeated LP senatorial candidate in the May 2010 polls, might replace Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.
There were also rumors Roxas might replace Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, who might be transferred to the Department of Trade and Industry to replace Secretary Gregory Domingo who reportedly wants to return to the private sector.
Aside from the finance department, Roxas is reportedly interested also in the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
However, the Commission on Appointments has just confirmed Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala while Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo has the backing of Aquino's sisters and also the influential Iglesia ni Cristo.
Another defeated LP senatorial candidate, Dr. Martin Bautista, could also replace Health Secretary Enrique Ona.
There were also reports that former Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon, son of former senator and incumbent Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, might take over the post of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim after the Department of Tourism's controversial promotion plan dubbed as "Pilipinas kay Ganda" was canceled.
The young Biazon, like Roxas, Acosta and Bautista, is also covered by the one-year ban on losing poll candidates.
Ochoa says he won't be affected by revamp By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) Updated January 08, 2011 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines – Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. (photo at left) denied yesterday that he would be affected by an impending Cabinet revamp.
President Aquino has not yet announced who among members of his official family would be replaced or transferred, he added.
Ochoa said the issue on revamp should not be a big deal because Aquino had expressed full confidence in his Cabinet secretaries.
The performance of Cabinet members is being monitored regularly, especially those in an acting capacity, he added.
Ochoa said his brother-in-law, Science Secretary Mario Montejo, was named in an acting capacity, just like Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.
"I suppose based on their performance, the issue (on being in an acting capacity) will be settled," he said.
Ochoa said all Cabinet secretaries are performing and quite clear on the direction they would take.
"In fact, there are many who are just quiet," he said.
"There are some who come out in the media and are accommodating. But I think it's hard to say or pinpoint one or two (who are really good) and the important thing is that we are working as one unit, as one team in public service."
Ochoa said the Cabinet's convening by cluster did not have anything to do with supposed factions.
It was only meant to make the meetings more focused and productive, he added.
Ochoa said Aquino's style is the reason why full Cabinet meetings are rare.
"For him it's better if we concentrate on specific issues," he said.
"That is why we meet by cluster, it depends on the issue to be discussed and the relevant secretaries are called."
Ochoa said they would propose a new system that would reduce clusters.
"In government, we always say that on the administrative side, there is nothing wrong in changing styles," he said.
"As long as this would lead to the improvement of the bureaucracy or governance.
"Right now, we are proposing, and I think this will push through, a new cluster system composed of five clusters.
"These are human development cluster, economic cluster, infrastructure, security-maintenance of peace and order and justice and governance."
Ochoa said they could not see the point in calling all Cabinet secretaries to a meeting when they would talk about increases in toll rates or train fares.
Only the members of the economic cluster met early this week to discuss the matter, he added.
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