Cabinet revamp set; 2007 losers seen as gainers

PRESIDENT Arroyo will implement a Cabinet revamp in May.

Arroyo made the confirmation in an informal after-dinner chat in Cebu Monday night with reporters covering the launching of the new central seaboard roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) ferry route.

The one-year ban on appointing losers in the 2007 election lapses in May, and it is likely that at least losers in the senatorial elections will be appointed. Among those mentioned are former Rep. Prospero Pichay and former DENR Secretary Michael Defensor.

Asked who would be affected by the shake-up, she replied: "Secret."

When pressed for the identity or identities of the Cabinet members who would be axed, she said, "No more, that’s it."

There are rumors that Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro would take over the justice portfolio from Raul Gonzalez.

Teodoro will reportedly be replaced by Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. who will retire on May 9.

Esperon will be replaced by Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano.

There was also talk that Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita would be appointed ambassador to the United States vice Willy Gaa while Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno would take over as new executive secretary.

Gonzalez said he is not aware of any reshuffle in May.

"All members of the Cabinet should abide by the President’s decision. I am a soldier. Wherever the President thinks I am qualified for, I will go," he said.

Sen. Benigno Aquino III said while it is the prerogative of the President to change her Cabinet, this should redound to improvement in the delivery of basic services.

"Without improvement, they’re just going through a political exercise that redounds to nothing," he said.

He said the planned revamp would also displace programs implemented by affected departments and agencies since the new appointees would need at least six months to learn the ropes.

Aquino also questioned the timing of the revamp, noting that this belies the President’s assertion that her Cabinet is efficiently discharging its duties.

"If they are performing well, why do they have to be changed?" – Regina Bengco, Evangeline de Vera and Dennis Gadil