Ace must be in the list - Rama

CEBU, Philippines - Former Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano must be in the shortlist of candidates being considered to replace the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

This was according to Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama during his regular news conference yesterday. 

He said Durano’s background makes him fit for the job.

Rama said he called President Benigno Aquino III’s Assistant Executive Secretary lawyer Reynaldo C. Delantar Jr. to ask if Durano can possibly be in the list.

Delantar told him the matter will be discussed with the President soon.

He said the next DILG Secretary must have experience in an elective post and in the local level of governance, with a good management ability and possibly, someone from the academe.

Durano was elected as representative of the sixth district of Cebu before he was chosen by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to head the Tourism Department in 2008.

He was known for his good performance as cabinet member from 2008 to 2010, proving his management abilities.

Rama said if there is an opportunity to endorse Durano to the President, he will do it without second thought.

“He has no record for being undesirable,” Rama said.

He said he wished that the Malacañang is serious enough in finding the qualified person to be the next DILG Secretary because it is not an ordinary position in government.

“They have to set a parameter,” Rama said.

The mayor believes that Transportation and Communication Secretary Manuel Roxas, whose name also surfaced as possible replacement of Robredo, will not take the position because it would be awkward after he announced he is running for President in 2016.

Other names that are rumored to be in the shortlist include Davao Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya and Senator Panfilo Lacson.

Abaya is the personal pick of Roxas while Lacson, reportedly, is Aquino’s choice.

Currently, Aquino designated Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. as the DILG officer-in-charge.  (FREEMAN)