10 Cabinet men seeking elective posts

MANILA, Philippines - Ten Cabinet men are on their way out to pursue their political aspirations in next year’s elections, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said yesterday.

Remonde declined to name the outgoing Cabinet members but said almost all of them would run for posts at the local level.

Only one would run for a national position, specifically as senator.

Among Cabinet men reportedly seeking elective positions are Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who wants to return to Congress as representative of Batangas; Presidential Management Staff Director General Hermogenes Esperon Jr. as congressman of Pangasinan; Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap as congressman of Bohol; Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez as mayor in Iloilo City; Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes as mayor of Taguig City; and Environment Secretary Jose Lito Atienza as mayor of Manila.

Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. previously indicated that he could go back to Congress as the representative of Camarines Sur now that a new district for the province has been approved by Congress.

Secretary to the Cabinet Silvestre Bello III is also reportedly seeking a seat in Congress as representative of Isabela.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Augusto Syjuco Jr. is reportedly going back to Congress as Iloilo representative.

There were reports that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III is running for senator but he refused to confirm this.

Remonde said the President had already named the replacements for the outgoing Cabinet members and would announce these soon.

He said no Cabinet meeting would be held this Tuesday and the next meeting should already have the new appointees.

Meanwhile, President Arroyo has appointed Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco as the country’s ambassador to Italy.

Cuenco earlier announced his new post in Cebu City after a recent visit by the President but said that this was made verbally.         – Marvin Sy