Canvassing delays to alter new Cabinet briefing timetable

Delays in Congress’ canvassing of votes for president and vice president have already affected the June 1–25 timetable for the briefing of new Cabinet members, a Palace official said Thursday. In a radio interview, Presidential Management Staff (PMS) head Elena Bautista-Horn said the Malacañang transition team needs to adjust its timetable to help officials of the incoming administration settle into their workplaces. "Ang original timelines na ginawa namin noong April, ang wish list namin June 1 to 25 nagbe-brief na kami ng papasok na member ng Cabinet ng president-elect. Kaya lang [di na ito masusunod... maari tayo mag-adjust (Our original timeline included a wish list of starting the briefing for incoming Cabinet members from June 1 to 25. But it does not appear likely anymore so we will have to adjust)," Bautista-Horn said in an interview on dwIZ radio. She said that while she has not received any communication from the camp of president-apparent Sen. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquino III, she assured a smooth a transition as possible. Horn said she is heading efforts to ensure a smooth transition from the administration of outgoing president and incoming Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to her successor. According to Horn, at least 67 co-terminus officials, including 40 Cabinet secretaries, are leaving their posts by June 30. Citing reports reaching her, she said congressional leaders had estimated the proclamation of the winner in the presidential race between June 4 and 15. "Kung mag-proclaim bukas o sa June 4 o sa June 30… basta ang aming mandato maghanda at magbigay ng suporta at nakahanda kami to receive the new president (We will adjust such that regardless of whether the new president is proclaimed tomorrow, on June 4 or on June 30, our job is to receive and support the new president)," she added. Moreover, she said the transition would be such that normal public services by the government would not be affected. “Dapat walang isang araw na titigil ang serbisyong pampubliko (No day should occur that public services will be stopped)," she said. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV