Sunday, May 18, 2008 Ermita says Cabinet revamp may take place at any time
A DAY after presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye claimed the latest Cabinet revamp was limited to him and erstwhile Cabinet secretary Ricardo Saludo, Malacañang raised anew the possibility of them being replaced at any time.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita repeatedly “reminded” Cabinet members any one of them can be replaced at any time.
“That is true. Remember before, when the President (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) ordered government-owned and controlled corporations executives to submit their courtesy resignations? We said it was unnecessary at the time because there is the understanding anyone can be replaced at any time,” he said.
Bunye on Friday said that when he and the President talked earlier this week, Arroyo told him to “clarify” to the media that the Cabinet revamp was limited to him and Saludo.
Malacañang had announced the appointment of former government peace negotiator and justice secretary Silvestre Bello III as Saludo’s replacement.
On the other hand, Bunye said he is likely to name his replacement on June 6.
“That was Arroyo’s idea of a revamp. As it turned out, the revamp was not as widespread as earlier thought,” Ermita said. (JMR/Sunnex)
