Palace: No cabinet revamp, DAR chief staying

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio Gil delos Reyes. PHOTO FROM GOV.PH

Rumors of a cabinet revamp are swirling around Malacaang but presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda indicated he was not aware of any immediate changes in the works.

There was rife speculation the other week that Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes was on the way. Now, there is supposedly a statement from some lawmakers to remove those Cabinet ministers who have been bypassed thrice by the Commission on Appointments.

Among the Cabinet secretaries who have yet to be confirmed by the CA are Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman, Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.

[President Aquino] believes that these people, the Cabinet secretaries that he has appointed to those departments are capable. These people enjoy his trust and confidence, Lacierda said.

The President believes that while they have not been rejected, it is important that they continue to deliver the services which they were tasked to do. So thats his position as far as I remember speaking to him about this issue, Lacierda added.

Aquino bill

The latest round of political rumors come with well-timed reminders that Mr. Aquino, when he was still a senator in 2007, had filed a bill (SB 1719) that would stop the executive department from reappointing someone who has been rejected by the legislative CA three times.

The issue at that time was then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyos repeated reappointment of some Cabinet members who had been repeatedly bypassed by the CA.

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Palace: No cabinet revamp, DAR chief staying