Filtered By: Topstories
News

More names floated as possible Cabinet execs under Aquino admin


More and more names have surfaced as possible Cabinet officials under the looming administration of Sen. Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III, who is likely to win the presidency based on his wide lead in the unofficial tally of the votes cast last May 10. A report by Sandra Aguinaldo in GMA Network’s “24 Oras" said some of these personalities had served under the administrations of Aquino’s mother, the late President Corazon “Cory" Aquino, and incumbent President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Citing information from a source, the report said among those who are likely to compose Aquino’s official family are the following: - Cesar Purisima (Department of Finance); - Margie Juico (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office); - Cristino Naguiat (Philippines Games and Amusement Corporation); - Bro. Armin Luistro (Department of Education); - Jose “Ping" de Jesus (Department of Public Works and Highways); and - Sonny Coloma (Presidential Management Staff)


Purisima had served as DOF secretary under the Arroyo administration but quit along with nine other Cabinet officials in 2005 during the height of allegations that President Arroyo rigged the results of the 2004 elections. Naguiat, meanwhile, is a friend of Aquino while Juico served as assistant to Mrs. Aquino. Coloma was a former undersecretary of the Department of Transportation and Communication. De Jesus, on the other hand, is current president and COO of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) while Luistro is the president of De La Salle University-Manila. The television report said the source was someone from the search committee Aquino formed to scout possible candidates for Cabinet posts under his administration. The committee is headed by Paquito “Jojo" Ochoa Jr., a close friend of Aquino's who is reportedly being groomed to be his executive secretary. Aquino had earlier said that they have invited Dinky Soliman to head the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), a post she held under the Arroyo administration until she had a falling out with the president in 2005. Another former Arroyo official, Teresita “Ging" Deles, has also been asked to resume her role as presidential adviser on the peace process. - KBK, GMANews.TV
LOADING CONTENT