PNoy image builder among contenders for next Tourism chief

An advertising executive who helped during then Sen. Benigno Aquino III’s presidential campaign is emerging as one of the serious contenders for the Tourism portfolio that outgoing Secretary Alberto Lim will vacate at the end of August. Lim said Ramon Jimenez has the right qualities to fill in the Tourism post. “It appears Mr. Jimenez would be one of the main contenders. He is an expert on branding. He was an image builder of PNoy. That’s his forte," he said in an interview Saturday on GMA News’ “24 Oras Weekend."
Lim announced Friday his decision to quit his post, citing stress and time away from his family as the main reasons. He said he just “woke up to the realization" one day that he should be spending more time with his family. Another PNoy ally Another Aquino ally, former party-list Rep. Theresia Hontiveros-Baraquel, said she would welcome being tapped if Aquino thought she could contribute. Baraquel said she has had experience in the tourism industry by managing a resort. She also said she can help by working with lawmakers to give tourism a bigger budget if needed. “Kung may offer mula kay President Noy, tingin niya magiging useful ako doon at magiging positive na bahagi ng kanyang team, matutuwa akong maglingkod," she said. Meanwhile, Lim appealed to his would-be successor to continue supporting the open skies policy — the reason some groups had opposed him. “We need this policy," he said. Open skies is a policy concept on liberal rules and regulations on international aviation. — JE/VS, GMA News