BBM camp eyes ‘responsive’ team, may tap losing candidates
The executive committee tasked to vet the candidates and aspirants for various Cabinet positions in the incoming administration of presumptive President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is moving in the right direction in forming a “responsive” team amid the challenges besetting the country, his chief of staff, and spokesman said Monday.
“I know people are excited about who else’s names will be released, but the interview process and vetting will continue, searching to form a Cabinet that will really be responsive to the problems to be faced,” lawyer Vic Rodriguez said in an interview with Teleradyo.
“The election was just concluded exactly a week ago. I think we’re moving in the right direction, with the appropriate speed,” he added.
Rodriguez, who heads Marcos’ transition team, said they are also looking at the possibility of tapping candidates who lost in the May 9 polls after the one-year ban.
“We’re looking at some possible personalities but I think most of them would rather enjoy their much-needed vacation for one year,” he said.
Marcos, Rodriguez said, is not looking at party colors when choosing his appointees.
“After May 9, we are longer talking about political color. Our call for unity is not just a campaign messaging,” he said.
So far, only two Cabinet members have been named—presumptive Vice President Duterte-Carpio as Education Secretary, and former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos as secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government.
A former mayor of Mandaluyong City, Abalos served as the presumptive President’s campaign manager.
Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio announced Monday her inauguration is set for June 19 in her native Davao City.
“It’s just right—it’s the pride of Davao City and Davao Region that they can witness an oath-taking of a vice president,” Duterte said in a radio interview.
She noted that once a candidate is proclaimed winner by the Comelec, he or she can take the oath anytime.
“The intent is I will be the first to take the oath so that I can attend the inauguration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” added Duterte, who earlier vowed to be supportive and loyal to whoever wins the presidency.
Duterte also said she will work hard for the country even if not given any Cabinet position.
One area she will focus on, she said, would be peace-building and child protection activities, particularly in schools.
A rumored candidate for the incoming Cabinet, infectious disease specialist Dr. Edsel Salvana, said on Monday he has “no comment” for now on reports that he could be the next Secretary of the Department of Health.
While he heard such reports, Salvana said: “Perhaps, I would just have no comment right now. Let’s go through the official channels if there are any.”
According to Rodriguez, some individuals are volunteering to be part of the Cabinet. He earlier talked about the requirements to be a part of the Executive Department under Marcos.
Apart from being competent and qualified, Rodriguez said the person should love the country and respect the Constitution. The prospective Cabinet official should also never call to topple the government, he added.
This developed as Marcos expressed his gratitude to hundreds of thousands of teachers, poll workers, and volunteers who took to the frontlines in ensuring the peaceful, honest, orderly, and credible conduct of the historic May 9 elections.
Marcos described as “awe-inspiring” the heroism and sacrifice shown by the teachers, poll watchers, and volunteers throughout the country in ensuring that the last election would be held smoothly and successfully.
On the election volunteers, Marcos said: “You really impressed us. The concern and sacrifice you have shown is one of the inspirations that Vice President-elect Inday Sara Duterte will use to serve our country well.”
“We saw your hard work and sacrifice. Your perseverance despite hot weather, wakefulness, fatigue, sweat, and danger. We can’t use a word so that Inday Sara and I can express our sincere gratitude to you,” he added.
Marcos also saluted the entire Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and all force multipliers “who stood their ground against lawless elements and displayed utmost patience and bravery in maintaining peace and order throughout the entire campaign period until the actual election day.”
“You have shown remarkable professionalism and dedication in performing your sworn duties. Your courage and heroism have helped the entire nation in hurdling the many challenges brought by the past elections,” he said.
The partial and unofficial count by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) showed Marcos Jr. still leading the presidential race with over 31.09 million votes, as his chief rival, Vice President Leni Robredo, garnered 14.81 million votes.
In the vice-presidential race, Marcos Jr.’s running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, remains ahead with 31.55 million votes over Senator Francis Pangilinan, a far second with just 9.23 million.
Meanwhile, the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, has congratulated Marcos on his impending official victory in the May 9 elections.
In a letter addressed to Marcos dated May 15, Yoon said under Marcos’ leadership, the Philippines will “continue on its path of stability and prosperity.”
He said the Philippines has been South Korea’s “long-standing partner with the longest history of diplomatic relations” among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and “also a key partner in Korea-Asean relations.”
He also took note of the Philippines’ historic participation in the Korean War in the 1950s.
“I look forward to close cooperation between our two new governments to further deepen our friendship and partnership,” Yoon said.
