Wednesday, April 30, 2008 Arroyo to implement Cabinet revamp
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday night said she will implement a Cabinet revamp in May.
"Yes," Arroyo only said in an informal after-dinner chat in Cebu Province with reporters who are covering the launching of the new central seaboard roll-on roll-off (Roro) ferry route.
Asked who would be affected by the shake-up, she said: "Secret."
She said "no more, that's it" when pressed for the identity or identities of the Cabinet members who would be axed, adding that the rumors on who would be affected by the Cabinet shake-up are "all speculation."
Rumors have been floating that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro would be transferred to the justice department. Teodoro will reportedly be replaced by retiring Armed Forces Chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. would reportedly be given a much-needed rest because of his health condition.
Esperon would be given a few days of extension because the turnover ceremony at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would be moved from May 8 to May 12 due to conflicts in Arroyo's schedule. Esperon would be replaced by Army Chief Alexander Yano.
There were also rumors that Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita would be given an ambassadorial post, while Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno will take over as new executive secretary.
Ermita, when asked if loyalty will play a big role in the selection of new Cabinet members, said: "Definitely."
Gonzalez, in an interview, said he will abide by the decision of President Arroyo should she decide to remove him from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
According to him, he is not aware of a confirmation made by Arroyo that she will reshuffle the Cabinet in May.
"All members of the Cabinet should abide by the President's decision. The President is in the best position to determine who should be in what position. I am a soldier. Wherever the President thinks I am qualified for, I will go," he said.
While adding that the President gave no hint about a forthcoming reshuffle in the Cabinet, Gonzalez said it is well within the authority and prerogative of the President being the Chief Executive to reorganize her officials.
He said he would welcome Teodoro to the DOJ should he be appointed by the President. (JMR/ECV/Sunnex)
