Pardo to become executive secretary?

President Estrada is reportedly eyeing Finance Secretary Jose Pardo to replace Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora, according to highly placed sources in the administration.

The sources said Zamora will step down to run anew for congressman of San Juan in the 2001 mid-term elections.

Mr. Estrada had accepted Zamora's resignation as early as last Wednesday, the sources said, together with that of presidential chief of staff Aprodicio Laquian. But Zamora's resignation was reportedly not announced because Malacañang is still looking for someone to replace Pardo at the Department of Finance.

Contacted by The STAR, however, Zamora said the President has not accepted his courtesy resignation, which was submitted along with those of other Cabinet members last December.

"That's not true," Zamora said, adding, "Why don't you ask the President?"

However, he hinted he is really eyeing the San Juan congressional post anew.

"It all depends on the President" who is the chieftain of the ruling Lapian ng Masang Pilipino, he said.

Pardo has been serving as finance secretary for three months now.

Reportedly being eyed as Pardo's replacement are Assistant Executive Secretary Ramon Cardenas or Economic Coordinating Committee secretary general Margarito Teves.

The sources said Pardo has long been considered as Zamora's replacement as he is very close to Mr. Estrada and has the President's full trust and confidence.

Sources said that the list of candidates for the finance post could still expand especially if Pardo has his own candidate. --