GMA aide named civil service chief

MANILA, Philippines – President Arroyo has named Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo as the new chairman of the Civil Service Commission.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced the nomination, which came almost two months after the end of the seven-year term of Karina Constantino-David.

In a statement, Saludo said that he was honored by the nomination and promised to implement reforms initiated by the Arroyo administration.

“Building on the governance reforms of the Arroyo administration and the World Bank-awarded achievements of chair Karina David, I shall work with the dedicated women and men of the CSC and the entire government sector to further enhance our service to the people, the welfare of our public servants and the government’s responsiveness to the nation’s needs and wishes,” Saludo said.

Ermita said that Saludo is very competent to lead the CSC with his wide range of experience, not only as Cabinet Secretary.

“I’m very sure Secretary Ric Saludo can perform as expected of the chairman of an agency such as the Civil Service Commission,” Ermita said.

A nomination still requires confirmation from the Commission on Appointments.

Last week, Malacañang announced the nomination of Reynaldo Villar as chairman of the Commission on Audit, the other constitutional body left vacant with the end of the term of Guillermo Carague.

After graduating from Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in literature, Saludo took up graduate studies in journalism at the Asian Institute of Journalism.

He also obtained a Masters’ degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of London.

Before entering public service, Saludo served as senior business editor for the defunct Asiaweek Magazine from 1989 to 1995.

He became the magazine’s assistant managing editor in 1996 while moonlighting as Asia affairs commentator for CNN and CNBC.

Saludo was designated deputy presidential spokesperson in 2003 under Secretary Ignacio Bunye.

For a short period in 2004, he was acting head of the Presidential Management Staff.