Vice presidential bets won't mind not having any Cabinet post

DAVAO CITY , Philippines  – Vice presidential candidates yesterday made known the Cabinet positions they prefer to be appointed to should they be elected into the second highest post in the land.

They were quick to point out, however, that they would not mind if they were not given a government agency to head.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD vice presidential candidate Edu Manzano said he would like to head the Department of Science and Technology.

“I believe in harnessing all the resources available. So, I would go around the country talking about science and technology and innovation to be harnessed for the country to be globally competitive,” Manzano said.

Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, head of the influential Kingdom of Jesus Christ the Name Above Every Name congregation, hosted the Sukatan 2010 vice presidential forum.

Liberal Party (LP) vice presidential candidate Sen. Manuel Roxas II said he would like to provide a “feedback mechanism” to the next president.

“The Office of the Vice President has a mandate in itself. I will work on that mandate,” Roxas said.

Bangon Pilipinas Party vice presidential bet lawyer Perfecto Yasay said he would want to be secretary of trade and industry.

Kilusang Bagong Lipunan vice presidential bet Jay Sonza said he would accept any Cabinet position offered to him.

“It would be a big mistake if the president would not get me for I am so good at any job,” Sonza said.

Nacionalista Party (NP) vice presidential candidate Sen. Loren Legarda would like to be the next agriculture secretary. She said she would also tour the country to familiarize herself with indigenous cultures.

“I would use the opportunity to immerse with the people. I would listen to their problems. I would spend time with the people. I would listen to them,” Legarda said.

In a separate statement, Legarda demanded an apology from the Liberal Party for apparently demonizing NP standard-bearer Sen. Manuel Villar Jr.

Legarda is particularly offended by the now-popular moniker “Villarroyo” attached to Villar for his alleged secret alliance with President Arroyo.

“In the strongest possible terms, I have decided to come out and condemn the campaign lies, slander, and assault to our personal integrity engineered by the Aquino-Roxas camp,” Legarda said. – With Delon Porcalla, Christina Mendez