The executive secretary has made peace with the "Dragon Lady." At least for now.
Laying down their guns, warring members of President Estrada's Cabinet have decided to observe a ceasefire so as to spare the Chief Executive from further headaches.
Presidential Spokesman Fernando Barican revealed this yesterday as he admitted that the infighting between Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora and Presidential Management Staff (PMS) chief Leonora "Lenny" de Jesus has become a spectacle that only does damage to the President.
"Let's simply say that we have resolved to work more closely together and to make sure we don't give the President problems in the future," he said.
Although he refused to elaborate, Barican said Cabinet members have agreed to set aside their differences if only to serve the President better.
"We've spoken about it privately and we all agreed that we would best serve the President if we don't have these kinds of problems amongst ourselves," he explained.
The infighting between Zamora and De Jesus was exposed last week when the executive secretary was quoted as saying that the President is appointing a new man to head the PMS.
He named Aphrodicio Laquian, a former University of the Philippines professor and a public administration expert, as a possible replacement for De Jesus.
De Jesus, who was earlier reported as being groomed to head the proposed Department of Housing, later reacted by crying in public.
The President, however, clarified things by saying he has not yet removed De Jesus from the PMS. He said the so-called "Dragon Lady" is still very much needed in his administration as PMS chief.
Mr. Estrada explained that he was contemplating on appointing Laquian to head a soon-to-be-created Office of the Presidential Chief of Staff but has not decided on the matter as the former professor is still a Canadian citizen.
He stressed that he would only appoint Laquian once he reacquires his Filipino citizenship.
Barican said he hopes the issue involving Zamora and De Jesus would finally die down.
"All possible comments on this matter have been made. Lenny said a lot of things. The President has spoken too. So I think I have nothing further to contribute," he pointed out.
Meanwhile, the President met yesterday with Laquian in Malacañang to discuss the creation of the chief of staff's post.
The Chief Executive, however, reiterated his stand that he would only pick Laquian if he would renounce his Canadian citizenship.
The 65-year-old Laquian became a Canadian citizen when he worked as consultant for the Canadian government.
After meeting with Laquian, Mr. Estrada told reporters that he has to create an office for a chief of staff to further professionalize the running of Malacañang affairs.
He said that this does not mean he does not trust Zamora. "The executive secretary is more than qualified in everything," he explained, but added that Zamora has no professional people under him to manage certain affairs of the Palace such as reviewing government contracts.
"With his so many duties, he cannot go over all contracts. It would be better for the professionals to scrutinize these contracts," he said.