Estrada still needs Maceda — Banayo

Former Ambassador Ernesto Maceda may soon hold a Cabinet position and will not resign as spokesman for President Estrada in his impeachment trial.

This was disclosed yesterday by Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Angelito Banayo, who said that the President still has many plans for Maceda.

"I have talked with the President and he said that he needs him (Maceda) in his Cabinet and he has many plans for him," he said.

Banayo admitted that Maceda was disheartened after he failed to get the post of secretary of agriculture, the post vacated last week by now Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara.

The post was given to Agriculture Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, who was reportedly endorsed by Angara.

Banayo said Maceda will be a big help in other departments, being a brilliant lawyer and former senator.

"The President is recognizing his experience. For me, we can place him to wherever he wants. He could be appointed to the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) or even to the Commission on Elections. We can put him anywhere because of his wealth of experience," he said.

Meanwhile, the ruling Lapian ng Masang Pilipino (LAMP) coalition has yet to finalize its lineup for the senatorial elections in May.

Banayo said that prior to the impeachment trial, the LAMP was already lining up prospective candidates for senator. The initial lineup, he said, used to include Sen. Franklin Drilon, Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr., Quezon Rep. Wigberto Tañada and even Makati Rep. Joker Arroyo.

However, the recent turn of events, he said, forced the President to disregard the party’s initial bets.

He pointed out, though, that the coming elections will not be a problem for the ruling coalition but for the opposition Lakas-NUCD especially with a number of so-called "turncoats" to consider.

He said former Speaker Manuel Villar Jr., who bolted LAMP before endorsing the articles of impeachment against the President, will surely aspire to be one of the Lakas-NUCD’s senatorial candidates.

"Lakas has given promises to many candidates and it will have a problem accommodating these senatorial hopefuls," Banayo said.

He added that they have asked some Cabinet officials, namely Interior Secretary Alfredo Lim, Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado and Agrarian Reform Secretary Horacio Morales, to think whether they really want to run for the Senate.

He said that aside from the three, Press Secretary Ricardo Puno and presidential adviser for flagship projects Robert Aventajado are also inclined in seeking a Senate seat.

"We’re considering a number of other names," he said.