Noynoy names longtime friend as third member of his Cabinet

President-apparent Sen. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquino III on Monday named a “new face" as a third member of his prospective Cabinet on Monday, but admitted that the appointee's role has yet to be determined. Aquino said Paquito “Jojo" Ochoa accepted his offer to join his Cabinet, but it remained unclear what Cabinet position his longtime friend and counsel would occupy — executive secretary, justice secretary, or chief presidential legal counsel.

“At the very least he is there, he is preparing for it (executive secretary post). (But) of course he’s been my primary counsel for the past 12 to 14 years. So there are other options, the Justice Secretary slot, presidential legal counsel slot," he said. Two of the confirmed Cabinet members in Aquino’s prospective Cabinet are old hands — Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman and presidential peace process adviser Teresita Deles. Last Friday, Ochoa and Sen. Francis Escudero met with Aquino at Aquino’s Quezon City house, but Escudero insisted they did not discuss anything serious. Should Ochoa decline the executive secretary post, he could be placed in the Justice Department to undertake judicial reforms or prosecute smugglers, Aquino said. But he indicated Ochoa will not likely be given more than one post on a concurrent basis. “It has to be one or the other," he said. He also admitted other prospects such as constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ, and retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno had declined to join his Cabinet. “We are having a little difficulty getting the people we want. We’re still vetting," he said, noting Puno merely promised to be a “consultant" on judicial reforms. Other names Aquino belied speculations he has offered Albay Governor Jose Salceda, who moved to his Liberal Party from the Lakas-Kampi-CMD, any post. “Joey Salceda has just been reelected governor of Albay," he noted. When asked if he would give Salceda a post on his economic team, he said they “have not discussed it." “He has not indicated he wants to join the Cabinet. I understand he is very happy where he is right now," he added. Implementing policies Aquino said Ochoa, a childhood friend he lost touch with during the Martial Law years, will implement his policies should he become executive secretary. Ochoa was surprised after being offered the post shortly after the elections, Aquino said. “Kasama ko ba kayo? Umoo. Tapos umoo, sabi ko, palagay ko ikaw ganito, sabi niya, ha? May point na gusto niya bumalik sa private practice (When I asked him if he wanted to join me in public service, he said yes. When I told him I would appoint him to this post, he said, huh? He had been considering going back to private practice)," he said. Ochoa will have to follow up with concerned agencies regarding the data he needs, and formulate decisions the government will have to make. Aquino cited policies for some one million hectares of unused agriculture land. “How can we turn it around and use it for productive purposes?" he said. Ochoa will also have to help craft new proposed laws and watch over the bureaucracy, he said. There are several candidates for all 25 Cabinet positions, with multiple candidates for some posts, Aquino said. However, he declined to name names for now. - LBG, RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV