Noynoy considers Boy Abunda, allies for key posts

Presidential frontrunner Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Monday disclosed more names being considered for his official family once he takes over as president. Aquino's campaign spokesman Edwin Lacierda will most likely be presidential spokesperson, Aquino told reporters inside his house in Times Street after his meeting with envoys from the European Union. "Inaccept niya in principle [the presidential spokesman post] pero di pa namin pinag-uusapan in detail (He has accepted the presidential spokesman post in principle but we have not yet discussed it in detail)," said Aquino. Lacierda, a lawyer, has also been asked to "to consider other positions perhaps in the DOJ, not as secretary [but] amongst the important arms of the DOJ," Aquino said. Asked who between former Education Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad and De La Salle University-Manila president Bro. Armin Luistro is being considered for the Department of Education portfolio, Aquino said: "There is one person amongst the two you mentioned that is in the final stages [of consideration]." Abad was the Liberal Party's overall campaign manager. Earlier in the day, Aquino told Senate reporters that his long-time friend and legal adviser, lawyer Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa Jr., has accepted a post in his Cabinet. Although Ochoa is primarily being eyed for the position of executive secretary, he may also be appointed chief presidential legal counsel or justice secretary, Aquino said. In the Times Street interview, Aquino described Ochoa as "somebody of utmost trust who can watch [Aquino's] back who's very knowledgeable about the law." Ochoa was Abad's batchmate in law school, Aquino said. Ochoa's father, former Pulilan, Bulacan mayor Paquito Ochoa Sr., was an associate of Noynoy's father, the late martyred senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. Others who have been offered positions in Aquino's administration include Corazon "Dinky" Soliman (Department of Social Welfare and Development secretary), Teresita "Ding" Deles (Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process), and Margie Juico (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office). While Congress is still canvassing the votes for president and vice president, Aquino is presumed to be the winner as he has a five-million-vote lead over his closest rival, former president Joseph Estrada, in the partial and unofficial tally of more than 90 percent of election returns. On the same day, Aquino announced that celebrity TV host Boy Abunda is being considered for a Cabinet post or another government position because of his strong marketing and communication skills. "Think about it from a marketing perspective, things that you would want to market the Philippines for. He will be a good communicator," said Aquino, whose sister Kris is known to be a close friend of Abunda, her fellow ABS-CBN talent. Abunda is also known as the "King of Talk." - RJAB Jr./HS, GMANews.TV