5 Cabinet members might run in 2010, Palace exec says

MANILA, Philippines - Some Cabinet members – at least five of them – have been dropping hints that they will run for elective posts in 2010. Cerge Remonde, head of the Presidential Management Staff told this to government-run dzRB radio on Saturday, but said that the hints from these officials had no effect on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. "Di pa siguro nagpapaalam, medyo malayo pa. Nagpapahiwatig pa lang siguro (They have not formally informed anyone about their plans, 2010 is too far. But some of them have dropped hints)," Remonde said. He said Mrs Arroyo is not minding the hints, saying, "hindi kasi siya namumulitika (she is not thinking of politics)." He would not name names, except for Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando, who he said "has never been a bashful man about his aspiration." Fernando had hinted that he wanted to be the administration's standard bearer for president. This triggered suspicions that Fernando was using for politicking MMDA posters and tarpaulins featuring his image. When asked about his plans for 2010, Remonde said he would rather return to media, adding that he never expected to last in government service for long. Remonde headed the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas when the Mrs Arroyo administration appointed him to serve in the Cabinet. "I am an accidental government official, I thought I will be in government six months. I lasted seven years. (But) ultimately my plan for the future does not include politics but to join you back in the bosom of media," he said. - GMANews.TV