Two posts mulled for Roxas in Aquino gov’t?

MANILA, Philippines – Former Senator Mar Roxas, who lost to vice president Jejomar Binay in the May 2010 elections, might not only get one but two positions in the Aquino administration, sources from Malacanang revealed on Wednesday.

Roxas, according to the first source, would be appointed as presidential adviser on special concerns, and at the same time, chief political adviser of the President.

At present, Aquino’s adviser on political matters is Ronald Llamas, president of militant Akbayan partylist group.

But the same source acknowledged that Roxas is not receptive to the new positions. He was earlier reported to be slated as Aquino’s chief of staff.

But a second source confirmed the new positions for Roxas.

In fact, the source said, Roxas and Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa were scheduled to meet to discuss the matter. The two allegedly belong to two warring factions existing in Malacanang.

Roxas is reportedly allied with the so-called Balay Group composed mostly of Liberal Party members, who supported the Aquino-Roxas tandem in the last May elections, while Ochoa belongs to the so-called “Samar Group” composed of supporters who backed the Aquino-Binay tandem.

The source said the President has directed Ochoa to craft a directive creating the positions for Roxas, although the latter was also asked about his thoughts on the mater.

“Pareho yatang pinagawa yung dalawa—what are your thoughts on it? Pero ang inutusan ng Presidente ay si Executive Secretary,” said the source.

The source explained that unlike the chief of staff, a presidential adviser can have a Cabinet rank.

“Yan ang pinaka- safe na puwedeng may Cabinet rank,” the source explained.