Noli: I will be a full time private citizen

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Noli de Castro, concurrent Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) chairman, has decided to be a “full time” private citizen even if he was offered a Cabinet post in the incoming Aquino administration.

De Castro confirmed the offer from the Aquino camp in an interview Thursday.

“There’s an offer but I’m not sure if P-Noy knows there are people talking to me. It’s an honor to be offered even if you are (part of the Arroyo administration), but I’ve decided to take a break from government service,” he said.

De Castro assured president-elect Benigno Aquino III, who said he could be called “P-Noy,” and vice president-elect Jejomar Binay of his support and help.

The Vice President said he would return to broadcasting after his term of office ends on June 30.

De Castro initiated the implementation of a transition management plan to ensure a smooth turnover to the incoming officials in the government housing agency.

As early as April, he formed a transition team in the housing sector, led by the HUDCC, to draw up and implement the transition plan.

“We want to ensure that the incoming officials are properly briefed about the housing sector in general as well as each shelter agency in particular to facilitate their assumption (of the top posts in) these agencies,” he said.

The transition plan includes the preparation of reports on each shelter agency, including their mandate and functions, list of plantilla positions and nature of appointment of incumbents, programs and projects, resources and accomplishments.

“I am also conducting meetings with the key shelter agencies to discuss unfinished and continuing business so that critical issues could be given immediate attention by the new officials,” he said.

The Vice President has also been doing the rounds of major housing projects, particularly the rail resettlement sites.

“I want to leave the projects and beneficiaries in good order so that when my successor takes over, I can explain what still needs to be done,” he said.

De Castro added that “the approach to some of the projects, such as relocation and resettlement, is that of incremental and continuing development. There is still much that needs to be done at the relocation sites.”

The plan also involves preparation for the transition activities, which include a series of briefings and formal turnover ceremonies to the incoming officials.

The Office of the Vice President has also completed its own transition plan.