P-Noy Cabinet remains solid despite revamp talks

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. assured the public yesterday that the Cabinet members of President Aquino are “solid” amid talks of a revamp of top Malacañang officials.

Coloma said only a few changes in the Cabinet have been made in the 18 months of the Aquino administration.

“It has been almost 18 months and the significant change only involved (former secretary Jose) Ping de Jesus of DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) and that of (former tourism secretary) Alberto Lim,” Coloma told radio dzRH.

Former Sen. Manuel Roxas II replaced De Jesus while advertising executive Ramon Jimenez succeeded Lim.

Another agency that experienced a change in leadership is the Foreign Affairs department, which used to be headed by Alberto Romulo who was replaced by businessman Albert del Rosario.

“I think (our Cabinet is) one of the most stable Cabinets,” he added.

Coloma declined to elaborate on the rumored Cabinet revamp since he is part of Aquino’s Cabinet.

“We avoid issuing statements on the issue for delicadeza. We are part of that Cabinet and it would not look good if I would comment on it,” he said.

Coloma said the President’s faith on the current Cabinet members remains firm.

Reports have quoted Aquino as saying that he is planning to move some of his Cabinet men. Officials, however, have not confirmed the reports.

There have been rumors that Sen. Panfilo Lacson would replace Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo. Communications Group Secretary Ricky Carandang is reportedly being eyed to head the state-owned television station NBN 4.