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Noynoy meets with rumored Cabinet appointees


It was like a sneak peek into the very near future. At least six personalities rumored to be President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's Cabinet appointees once he takes over as president met with him Monday inside his home in Quezon City. Those who were present at the meeting were incoming executive secretary Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa Jr.; Aquino's chief of staff Julia Abad, rumored incoming Presidential Management Staff head; retired Lt. Gen. Voltaire Gazmin, who accompanied Aquino to the Presidential Security Group reunion on Sunday and is said to be the incoming defense secretary; former trade and finance secretary Cesar Purisima who is rumored to be returning to his old finance post; Makati Business Club executive director Alberto Lim who is rumored to be the incoming tourism chief; and Bureau of Internal Revenue deputy commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares who is rumored to be the bureau's next commissioner. Also inside Aquino's home are Liberal Party secretary-general and Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya and Cavite Governor and incoming Rep. Erineo "Ayong" Maliksi, who supported Aquino during the campaign. Also present at the meeting were Aquino's sisters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz and Pinky Aquino-Abellada, who are both being consulted on major political decisions. The two, however, refused to be interviewed when they left the house around 5:30 p.m. Soon after they left, Aquino's defeated runningmate, Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, arrived. Roxas is part of the official transition team that oversees the transition from the Arroyo Cabinet to Aquino's official family. Roxas also refused to be interviewed before entering Aquino's house. An insider who refused to be named said Aquino gave marching orders and directions in governance once the said individuals take over their respective departments. Aquino has confirmed only four future Cabinet appointees so far: Ochoa, lawyer Edwin Lacierda (presidential spokesman), Corazon "Dinky" Soliman (social welfare secretary), and Teresita Deles (peace adviser). Aquino had said he would announce the rest of his official family before his inauguration on June 30. — Jam Sisante/RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV

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