If elected, Marcos open to appointing relatives to Cabinet ‘if they are best in field’

FILE PHOTO: Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Tuesday he is open to appointing relatives to his Cabinet should he be elected President as long as they are the best in their respective fields.

Marcos Jr. said his criteria in appointing the members of his Cabinet are being the best in the field and willingness to serve the public.

“Kung sila ba ang pinakamagaling sa kanilang field, oo,” Marcos Jr. said during the “Bakit Ikaw? the DZRH Presidential Job Interview” when asked if he was open to appointing relatives to his Cabinet.

“Basta’t the criteria that we should follow ay kung sino ang pinakamagaling na handang tumulong, handang magtrabaho, yan ang ating ilalagay,” he added.

Marcos Jr. said he is also willing to appoint those from opposing parties if they are the best for the job.

“Hindi akong maga-appoint dahil [lang] sila ay kamag-anak, dahil sila ay kapartido. In fact, kahit na sa kontra-partido, basta’t handang tumulong at magaling sila sa kanilang trabaho, kung tatanggapin nila ay tatanggapin natin sa ating administrasyon,” Marcos Jr. said.

When asked about the “conjugal dictatorship” of his parents—former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Marcos—and if he will appoint his wife Liza Araneta, Marcos Jr. said: “Kung siya ang pinakamagaling doon sa area na ‘yun.”

“Kung ang sektor na yan siya ang pinaka-nakakaintindi, kagaya ng sabi ko, pipiliin natin yung pinakamagaling. Hindi ko gagawin dahil asawa ko, gagawin ko dahil may kakayahan siya,” Marcos Jr. said.

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