Gringo Honasan up for another Cabinet post?

MANILA, Philippines — Is Sen. Gringo Honasan up for appointment to an agency other than the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT)?

Senate President Vicente Sotto III hinted that Honasan, whose second six-year term expires this year, might be named to another post after his appointment to DICT was technically bypassed when the Senate went on Christmas break last December.

“The President still has to nominate him again because he was bypassed… . Eh malay mo (For all you know) he might be nominated to another post,” Sotto said during a Kapihan sa Senado forum.

“Ask Sen. (Panfilo) Lacson. I am not saying anything…I refuse to answer it,” he added when pressed for more information about Honasan. Sotto, Honasan and Lacson belong to the “macho bloc” in the Senate.

On Nov. 22, President Duterte appointed Honasan to the DICT, replacing Secretary Eliseo Rio. Some quarters, however, are raising questions on the qualification of Honasan to head the DICT, the government agency responsible for the planning, development and promotion of the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) agenda in support of national development.

Under Republic Act 10844, or the DICT law, no person may be appointed DICT secretary unless they have “at least seven years of competence and expertise in any of the following: information and communications technology, information technology service management, information security management, cyber security, data privacy, e-Commerce, or human capital development in the ICT sector.”

“He will more than suffice as far as his qualifications are concerned,” Sotto said, noting the 10-year background of Honasan on intelligence communication. He added that he and other senators talked about the issue on qualification the other day and found that Honasan is qualified.

Lacson allegedly pointed out to them the qualifications of their colleague.

But, should people insist on opposing Honasan as head of DICT, Sotto said they could raise this when the Commission on Appointments tackles the appointment.

In December, reports indicated the CA will approve Honasan’s appointment to the DICT and he will assume office in January, which Sotto confirmed.

“Well that was the plan (but) something came up…I don’t know. I really don’t know. As I said, ask Sen. Lacson,” Sotto said.