Give PNoy time to choose next Tourism chief — Palace

Malacañang on Saturday asked the public to give President Benigno Aquino III enough time to choose the successor of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, who announced his resignation Friday. “Give a little bit more time for the President to make his choice… As soon as the President makes a decision we will be able to announce it," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over state-run dzRB radio. Besides, Lim — whose resignation takes effect Aug. 31 — indicated he was willing to stay in office until Aquino names his successor, according to the Malacañang official. “Somebody who is equally qualified and equally competent will take over as Secretary Lim’s successor," Valte said. She also reassured tourism stakeholders that the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) program will continue even without Lim. “’Yung sinabi nga ho ni Secretary Lim kahapon, the work is institutionalized," Valte said. “So whether the secretary is there or not, tuloy po ‘yung trabaho and the programs will certainly be continued," she added. Names cropping up While Malacañang is aware of the reports suggesting who will succeed Lim, all are “speculation" at this time, according to the President’s spokesperson. Among the names that have cropped up are those of advertising executive Ramon Jimenez, defeated senatorial bets Rozzano Rufino Biazon and Theresia Hontiveros-Baraquel, and talent manager Eugenio “Boy" Abunda Jr. “We are aware of the names being floated but nothing is for sure at this time until the President says so," Valte said. Palace rebuffs Gordon Valte also rebuffed former Tourism Secretary and defeated presidential candidate Richard Gordon for saying that Lim’s resignation was not a good sign. “Siguro po opinyon na po niya ‘yun. We are not reading too much into what has happened. We believe Secretary Lim when he says that he wants to spend more time with his family and that is basically understandable," she said. Valte likewise said other members of the Cabinet were “surprised" about Lim’s decision to quit. During Friday’s Cabinet meeting in Malacañang, Valte said she saw Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz go up to Lim “and said a few words and tapped him [on] the shoulder," she said. “I think most of them were really surprised that he had already resigned," she said. It was the time away from his family that prompted Lim to resign, Valte said. — JE/VS, GMA News