Friday, July 16, 2004 Name insider, 5 DOT ex-chiefs ask Arroyo By Linette C. Ramos
CEBU CITY -- Tourism is too important an industry to be tainted with politics, five former Cabinet members said, so they are asking President Arroyo to keep politics out of the department and choose its next chief based on professional qualifications.
The five former Department of Tourism (DOT) secretaries, who also held other positions in the Cabinet, suggested to President Arroyo "that qualified persons, preferably from within the industry itself, be considered for the post of DOT chief."
"We strongly believe that the DOT should be de-politicized. Appointments to important positions must be made based on professional qualifications, experience in the industry and the ability of the appointees to gain the confidence of the industry's stakeholders," they said.
Former secretaries Rafael Alunan III, Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Vicente Carlos, Peter Garrucho Jr. and Narzalina Lim signed the letter, which they submitted to Malacaņang Thursday night.
In Cebu, endorsements for hotelier Patrick Gregorio and Rep. Joseph Ace Durano (Cebu, 5th district) have poured in from within the industry and other sectors, but the tourism industry is divided on the matter.
As for Durano, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeņa said he will have to work on his bid for the DOT post without the mayor's endorsement.
For Obet
Osmeņa said Thursday that he will continue to support Tourism Secretary Roberto "Obet" Pagdanganan because of his move to transfer the DOT main office to Cebu City.
"Ace will have to do it without my endorsement... I'm supporting Obet because he's supporting us and I can't stab in the back somebody who is supporting us. As long as he helps us, we'll help him," the mayor told a news conference.
While he is not endorsing Durano, Osmeņa defended the lawmaker from critics who have been saying that he is not qualified to handle the tourism portfolio.
He added that there is nothing illegal or immoral if politics came into play, if and when Arroyo decides to appoint Durano.
"He is not exactly a man with no qualities at all. I think he's got the capability of adapting, he seems to be focused on this. He is highly educated and he can articulate his thoughts," the mayor said of Durano.
To make the transfer of DOT easier for its close to 1,000 employees, Osmeņa will tap the private sector and civic groups in "adopting" each employee and their family once they relocate here.
He encouraged Cebu-based families to serve as the guides of the employees in getting settled in Cebu and finding their way around the city.
Osmeņa said he will also make arrangements with grocery store owners and educational institutions to give the DOT employees special discounts.
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