Cabinet movements remain speculative

MANILA, Philippines - Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the names that have cropped up to replace outgoing Transport Secretary Jose “Ping” de Jesus are mere speculations.

In an interview with radio dzRB, Valte said “at this point, all those are speculations. We still do not know…While we understand the interest on who would be replacing [de Jesus]…it is better to wait for the announcement of the President.”

She is referring to the news which came out in Philippine Star on Sunday. Quoting sources, the news report said Aquino is eyeing Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras as de Jesus’ replacement.

The report also said Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. President and Chief Executive Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. would take the place of Almendras.

“At this point, all we know are the clues which [President Benigno Aquino III] gave last Thursday…which is, he is a guy and is well-known. Beyond that, we do not know yet,” Valte said.

In an interview with reporters last week, Aquino said: “I approached somebody who answered, ‘If you need me there, ok, but since this is out of the blue, baka pwedeng mag-isip ng kaunti. I expect an answer by next week.”

Aquino’s running mate, former Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, was also supposedly offered the Department of Transportation and Communications portfolio.

He allegedly declined the post and opted for an advisory job.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com