PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has not yet discussed the possible revamp of his Cabinet during his meeting with top public officials at Malacañan Palace on Thursday, April 4.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said that during the 24th Cabinet meeting, the President did not mention his planned reshuffling among high-ranking officials under the executive department.
"There is nothing on the agenda on any changes, as far as the Cabinet is concerned," Roque said in a television interview.
This comes following reports that Duterte is poised to fire Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II anytime this week because of controversies besetting the Department of Justice, including the dismissal of drug cases against alleged drug lords Kerwin Espinosa and Peter Lim.
Asked about the ambiance in Monday's conference, Roque said he did not see Aguirre greet Duterte because "the President came in late [and Cabinet officials] were already assembled in the Cabinet room when he entered."
Pressed again if there was an indication that Duterte might bring up the possible dismissal of Aguirre on the Cabinet meeting, Roque said: "Nothing so far."
Duterte was "upbeat" when he faced the Cabinet officials because of "good news," the presidential spokesman said.
"He was very upbeat because he had some good news but I need to get clearance if we could release that," he said, as he refused to spill more details about the "good news" relayed to Duterte.
Duterte's meeting with Cabinet secretaries is still ongoing, as of Wednesday.
Roque said that so far, the issues tackled during the Cabinet meeting were the proposals to institutionalize Pasig River Convergence Program, and improve Oral Health Program.
He said both proposals were approved by the Cabinet.
He added that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, as well as the recommendation to close Boracay Island for six months, will be up for discussion. (SunStar Philippines)