A congressman in the Philippines now has a call to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. regarding the appointment of those who lost in the last election.
“Yes, there are many and I will definitely use that 1 year – count on that,” said Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
That’s the answer of President Marcos when asked if there will be new cabinets now that the 1-year appointment ban for defeated candidates in the 2022 elections is over.
Especially many of those who ran in the UniTeam of PBBM and VP Sara Duterte were not lucky enough to win.
“In a sense, everyone’s OJT is over. And we’ve seen who performs well. And who will important in what we are doing. So, yes there’s really going to be… I don’t know about reshuffle but… reorganization…” Pres. Marcos added.
Because of this, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urges the president not to appoint what he called ‘election losers.’
He said, more experienced and qualified people can be appointed instead of choosing losers.
“I have nothing against election losers, but Cabinet and other government jobs should not be a refuge of political has-beens. There are many deserving and competent career service officers and individuals from the private sector with vast experiences,” said Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Cagayan de Oro City.
Rodriguez made it clear that he has no anger toward those who lost the election, but the cabinet and other positions in the government should not be the destination of ‘political has-beens’.
If House Minority leader Nonoy Libanan is asked, there is no problem if President Marcos helps those who lost the election.
The important thing is that he will not run in the mid-term elections.
“If possible, his appointee is not who will run in the 2025 [mid-term elections] because if he does, it would be a waste. He will only campaign and use the machinery of the government in order for him to win,” said Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan, House Minority Leader.
Libanan said, what the president needs now is someone who can help him implement the administration’s long-term plans.
Not those who have their political ambitions.
“That’s why we really need balls and can implement long-range and medium-range plans, not only short-range because if it’s only knee-jerk reactions, those are just short-range reactions to problems. We won’t be able to solve our country’s problems,” Rep. Libanan added.
Among the high-profile names that will be in the position are some UniTeam senatorial bets such as Atty. Larry Gadon, former Defense Chief Gibo Teodoro.
Even former Presidential spokesperson, Harry Roque.
As for Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, let the President appoint because it is within his power.
“For me, I think that’s counterproductive. It’s better for the president to give him a liway on how to choose members of his cabinet no? Especially if we saw the losing candidates might contribute to our president’s plans,” said Rep. Dan Fernandez. Chairman, House Committee on Public Order and Safety.
