CHR chair De Lima accepts post in Aquino admin

(Updated 4:45 p.m.) Commission on Human Rights chair Leila de Lima will resign from her current post in preparation for another position in the Aquino administration. Emerging from a meeting with President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III in his Times Street home, De Lima said she has accepted a position under the Aquino administration but refused to say what post. De Lima, however, is rumored to have been offered the Department of Justice portfolio reportedly upon the recommendation of retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who earlier turned down the offer. "We talked about it, he [Aquino] offered a position, I accepted it but he will do the announcement," said De Lima. Before entering Aquino's home shortly before 2 p.m., De Lima was asked by reporters whether she has accepted the DOJ post, to which De Lima answered, "We're going to talk about it." De Lima was a former election lawyer appointed chairperson of the CHR in May 2008. She has a seven-year term. "I have a fixed term in the CHR but since I am accepting this offer I will be resigning," she said. The CHR under De Lima was known for making brave recommendations to prosecute government officials under the Arroyo administration, but many cases did not prosper since the CHR has no prosecutorial powers. Aquino has said in earlier interviews that he wants his justice secretary to be brave enough to go against big criminals. He had earlier offered the post to Puno and constitutional law expert Fr. Joaquin Bernas, but both turned down the offer. Meanwhile, Maynilad president Rogelio Singson, rumored to be the possible public works secretary, also visited Aquino but he refused to talk to reporters. Official family To date, those confirmed to have accepted posts in the Aquino administration are: lawyer Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa Jr. (executive secretary), lawyer Edwin Lacierda (presidential spokesperson), Corazon "Dinky" Soliman (social welfare and development chief), and Teresita "Ding" Deles (presidential peace adviser). Soliman and Deles previously held the same posts during the Arroyo administration. Both quit during the height of the"Hello, Garci" scandal in June 2005, the worst political storm to hit the Arroyo administration. In a separate interview, Ochoa said Aquino might reveal later in the week who will comprise his official family. He said a "big percentage" of Cabinet posts have already been filled. Aquino has said he would reveal all the members of his Cabinet before his inauguration on June 30. — RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV