Another Cabinet reshuffle looms

Another Cabinet reshuffle may be in the offing in the coming weeks following recent movements and resignations in President Arroyo’s official family, Palace officials said yesterday.

This developed as the President swore into office six new ambassadors and four other government officials during simple rites at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall.

The country’s new envoys are Norberto Basilio (Bangladesh), Jose Abeito Zaide (France), Susan Castrence (Korea), Jose del Rosario Jr. (Jordan), Al Francis Bichara (Lebanon) and Linglingay Lacanlale (Austria).

Mrs. Arroyo also inducted into office Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Carlito Puno, Office of the President Undersecretary Francisco Benedicto and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) undersecretaries Alicia Bala and Florita Villar.

She also inducted the new officers and members of the Filipino-Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Inc. at the same affair. Foreign Affairs Secretary Roberto Romulo was among those present at the oath-taking rites.

Palace officials said Philippine Consul General to Los Angeles Marciano Paynor Jr. was already appointed as the Chief of Protocol in Malacañang to succeed Lacanlale: "There was already a smooth transition (from Lacanlale to Paynor)."

Another Malacañang official said Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Affairs and Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO) chairman Jesus Dureza is being eyed by the President to head the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP).

A Palace source said OPAPP officer-in-charge Rene Sarmiento would be given another position if Dureza accepts Mrs. Arroyo’s offer. The official said Dureza seems concerned about the fate of MEDCO if he leaves that office.

When contacted, Dureza said the matter of his transfer to the OPAPP had been raised by the Palace "some time ago" but he said there is nothing definite about it yet.

"I was told about the new post some time ago, but it is not yet firmed up," he said without saying who made the offer. He also said he is engrossed with his work at MEDCO.

Environment Secretary Michael Defensor is reportedly being considered to take over as Presidential Chief of Staff after Mrs. Arroyo decides who will head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

While Defensor admitted that he is being considered for the post of Chief of Staff, he said there is no final decision on who will eventually take the post: "It could be anybody."

Another possible movement, Palace officials said, will be in the office of the Presidential Management Staff because PMS chief Rigoberto Tiglao has been appointed ambassador to Greece.

Being considered among candidates as Tiglao’s successor are Philippine Information Agency chief Rene Velasco, while Cabinet Officer for Presidential Engagements Conrado Limcaoco is being eyed as the possible new PIA head.