Pangilinan, Lacson to be appointed in gov't: Aquino

MANILA -- President Benigno Aquino III admitted Thursday that he has been talking with Senators Francis Pangilinan and Panfilo Lacson for their possible appointment in government when both their term ends in June.

In an interview with reporters in Davao City, Aquino said that Pangilinan will be appointed in a post that will deal on agriculture sector.

"He has already discussed about his ideas with [Agriculture] Secretary [Proceso] Alcala and we will try to maximize his involvement in our administration to the benefit of the agricultural sector," he said.

Lacson, on the other hand, will have a "more general role" in his administration, the President said.

But he said that appointing Lacson to "mere presidential assistant" might not commensurate with his abilities.

"Senator Lacson will perhaps have a more general role. Initially, it will be like a fireman putting out fires. So he will not have a specific agency, for instance, that he'll report to," Aquino said.

"But when there is a particular group that needs my undivided attention, he will be the one providing that undivided attention," he said.

Lacson had earlier expressed preference over an anti-corruption post than an anti-crime post. He was former director general of the Philippine National Police before he entered politics in 2001.

Aquino said that he has to work with the two senators the details of their possible positions in government.

Pangilinan and Lacson are both allies of the President. (SDR/Sunnex)