Almendras, PMS chief meet

MANILA, Philippines - Outgoing Energy Secretary Jose Almendras and Presidential Management Staff (PMS) head Julia Abad have apparently started transitional talks following reports that Almendras would be moving to Malacañang to replace Abad.

The STAR spotted Almendras and Abad in a luncheon meeting that lasted more than two hours at a hotel in Pasay City yesterday.

When sought for comment, Almendras sidestepped the issue that he was being appointed to the top PMS post.

“I am not aware of that,” he said. “I serve (at) the pleasure of the President.”

Abad, a daughter of Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, also did not comment on the reports.

Almendras, who was in the private sector before his appointment to the Cabinet, said whatever changes that may happen in the next few days or weeks under President Aquino are meant to ensure better government management.

“We are over the hump... Cabinet must work together,” he said. “Whatever changes in the Cabinet (it will be for the) better in running the government.”

Sources said Aquino has been wooing Almendras to Malacañang to help him in managing the Office of the President in a more professional manner.

When sought to comment on the plans to appoint former finance secretary Emmanuel Bonoan as replacement of Almendras, Sen. Sergio Osmeña III said Bonoan has enough financial background to lead the energy department.

Osmeña, Senate committee on energy chairman, said Bonoan’s good financial background “is what the energy sectors needs.” Osmeña described him as a quick learner who has a grasp of the problem at the Department of Energy.

Bonoan will be a good person to lead the agency, he added.

Bonoan headed the Run After Tax Evaders, the anti-corruption arm of the Department of Finance. He is said to be a close friend of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima.

Bonoan was also managing partner of top accounting firm Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG), prior to his entry in government.

Osmeña said the energy department needs an able financial guy who can look into the huge debts of the National Power Corp. as well as its assets, which have yet to be privatized years after the privatization law was passed.

Osmeña, also Senate committee on banks, financial institutions and currencies chairman, was seen exchanging pleasantries with Almendras and Abad, who were in a separate meeting at a Pasay City hotel.

Officials of the energy department are ready to step down if they receive an order from Malacañang.

Energy Undersecretary Jose Layug Jr. will leave his post. Undersecretary Josefina Patricia Asirit and Almendras will perform their duties pending directives from the Palace.

In a phone interview, Layug said he has not received any notice from Malacañang.

“As we all know, we serve at the pleasure of the President,” he said.

Layug said he has decided to leave his post, expecting that Malacañang will issue a replacement order.

His replacement is reportedly Energy Assistant Secretary Ramon Allan Oca.

Prior to being appointed to the DOE in 2010, Layug was a senior counsel for the Negotiations and Legal Department of the Australian Strategic Business Unit of Chevron Corp.

Layug also worked as the international legal consultant of the Asian Development Bank and consultant on Philippine power and energy at Belo Gozon Elma Parel Asuncion & Lucila Law Office in 2006-2007.

Other DOE officials are awaiting the action of Malacañang.

In a text message, Almendras said the undersecretaries and other appointees he had brought to the DOE all serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

“If it is decided that I will no longer be DOE secretary, it is but proper to give the new secretary the option to form his own team as has always been the case in all agencies and as practiced in the past,” he said.

“I have not received any advice until now of my being moved. I serve at the pleasure of the President so will abide by whatever the decisions will be.”

In a text message, Asirit said she will tender her resignation when Almendras leaves his post.

“Until we receive an order from Malacañang, we will continue to serve.” – With Neil Jerome Morales