Akbayan’s Risa Baraquel: PNoy never asked me to take Tourism chief post

A defeated senatorial candidate and former Akbayan party-list representative clarified on Saturday that President Benigno Aquino III never asked her to take the place of resigned Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim. In a report on GMA News TV Live, Theresia “Risa" Hontiveros-Baraquel said she has never been offered by the President to head the Department of Tourism. But she added she would be pleased if given any Cabinet post. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, in an interview with state-run dzRB radio, said that while Malacañang is aware of reports suggesting who will succeed Lim, all are “speculation" at this time. “We are aware of the names being floated but nothing is for sure at this time until the President says so," Valte said. Apart from Baraquel, among the names that have cropped up are those of advertising executive Ramon Jimenez, defeated senatorial bet Rozzano Rufino Biazon, and talent manager Eugenio “Boy" Abunda Jr. Last May, the President had seriously considered Abunda, also a television talk show host, to serve in government. Aquino at the time said Abunda’s communication skills and marketing expertise could be used in tourism and foreign affairs. Also in May, rumors had circulated that Biazon was eyeing to head the Tourism Department. Jimenez, on the other hand, was part of Aquino’s election campaign in 2010. He is reported to have ties to both the “Samar" and “Balay" factions in the Aquino administration. — JE/VS, GMA News