Ogie, 6 others appointed to People Power Commission

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has appointed singer Ogie Alcasid along with six others to the streamlined EDSA People Power Commission.  

Alcasid, whose real name is Herminio Alcasid, was designated convenor of the music and entertainment sector of the commission.

Also appointed to the commission are Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Conrado de Quiros, former Trade secretary Jose Pardo, former Government Service Insurance System chief Cesar Sarino, advertising executive Emily Abrera, Christopher Carreon and Milagros Kilayko. Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. will sit as chair of the commission.

Aquino, through Executive Order 17, whittled down the number of commission members from 25 to just seven.

The commission exists to promote the ideals of the peaceful 1986 revolt against the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos through commemorative events.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, meanwhile, announced new appointments made by Aquino.

Amalia Bacutan was appointed acting director IV at the Department of Agriculture. Appointed acting directors III, on the other hand, were Jose Balatucan Jr., Jennilyn Maladuyan and Jimmy Olivo.

Hermiano Panganiban was appointed new chairman of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor.

Dr. Alexander Kolayco was appointed as a new member of the board of directors of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

Virginia Marilao was appointed secretary general of the National Commission on the Philippines, while Maria Roxanne Singson was appointed board member of the Technical Education Skills Development Authority.