‘Musical chairs’ in gov’t with Año, Duque, Aranas

PRESIDENT Duterte has announced new appointments to his Cabinet and rotated some personalities to sensitive posts.

DU30 and his boys play “musical chairs” for greater efficiency in governance – and some friendly joy.

*** The President also dismissed anew allegations his administration is into extra-judicial killings (EJKs) as assistance offers for Marawi rehabilitation pour in and as he embarks on a threeday visit to Japan.

Translation: “Ayoko ng EJKs, baka magalit ang Diyos!”

*** Duterte announced the appointment of former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III back to the Department of Health (DOH), to replace Sec. Paulyn Ubial whose ad interim appointment was rejected by the Commission on Appointments (CA).

“Royal blood” gets back DOH which he headed in 2005-2010. *** The President appointed retired Gen. Eduardo Año as head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) upon his stepping down as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Old reliable” will perform as “officer in charge” of DILG, DU30 said.

*** In place of Año, Duterte named Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Borja Guerrero as new AFP chief of staff and immediately installed him at the AFP change of command ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo.

“Colorful ceremony but no troop movement, boys,” DU30 seemed to whisper.

*** Duterte explained he was appointing Año special assistant to the President or undersecretary in the meantime because the DILG Act of 1990 prohibits Año from immediately assuming the post of secretary within a one-year period.

“Gen. Año, you’re always welcome to report, maybe tomorrow, to help supervise the PNP together with acting interior secretary Catalino Uy,” Duterte said.

***

Malacañang has also offered new positions to Kabayan Rep. Harry Roque and Deputy Commissioner Jesus Clint Aranas of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Roque has been reportedly offered the presidential spokesman post, and Aranas as president and general manager of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

***

Roque disclosed he and the President were set to meet today to discuss the offer for him to become presidential spokesman amidst the international human rights issue over the war on drugs.

“Will meet [the] President,” Roque confirmed in the wake of rumors that he would soon join Malacañang’s communications team.

***

Aranas, Palace insiders said, was offered the top GSIS post amidst a power struggle in the BIR headed by Commissioner Caesar Dulay.

DU30 to play as “fire extinguisher” between his warring boys.

***

Observers welcomed the immediate filling of vacant government posts by the President, hopefully based on proven efficiency and effectiveness rather than personal friendship.

Yes to more competent public officials! No to non-performing assets or NPAs in government!