PHILIPPINE NEWS SERVICE — MAYBE it’s because they can carry a tune and have the President’s ear.
Whatever it is, the three “Singing Secretaries” – Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando and Presidential Management Staff chief Cerge Remonde — are likely to retain their posts once the Cabinet reshuffle begins.
Also to be retained is Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., President Arroyo said.
The Chief Executive said that Teodoro is not part of the “secret portion” of the Cabinet revamp she disclosed Tuesday in talks with Palace reporters at a dinner at the mansion of Camiguin Gov. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo after holding a Cabinet meeting .
The President said that it was important for her to keep the civilian supremacy in the defense portfolio which has been rocked by short lived uprising by disgruntled soldiers.
Reyes, Fernando and Remonde, who had earlier belted out songs during the program, will keep their post and not part of the “secret” revamp.
The President had replied “secret” when pressed for details about her planned reshuffle in her Cabinet.
The President’s assurance for Teodoro finally put to rest talks that he will later be moved to succeed Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, who is to retire on May 9, is reportedly being groomed to replace Teodoro at the DND.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno is reportedly being eyed to be the new executive secretary to replace Secretary Eduardo Ermita who will assume the post as ambassador to Washington.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye is also reportedly on his way out and would be replaced by former Chief of Staff Michael Defensor, who lost in the May, 2007 senatorial race.
Other reports, however, said Bunye would be named as Ermita’s successor even as reports insisted the Palace spokesman is being eyed for a crucial and sensitive post by Mrs. Arroyo.