FILE PHOTO Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. campaigns in Mandaluyong. Photo from his official facebook account
MANILA, Philippines — Even this early, many are already “auditioning” to be part of presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet if he is elected, his sister Senator Imee Marcos, said Thursday.
“Ang dami-dami nago-audition na, na maging Cabinet [member],” the senator said during the Pandesal Forum when asked who may possibly fill her brother’s Cabinet if he wins the presidency.
(Many are auditioning already to become a Cabinet member.)
“Yan ang ating nakikita, marami talagang dati ayaw pumasok sa gobyerno, ngayon nagbo-volunteer. Pero wala pang nakatakda,” she added, noting they have been receiving an “overwhelming” amount of support.
(That’s what we are seeing, there are many of those who do not want to enter the government but are now volunteering. But there is nothing final yet.)
She then stressed the need to pick Cabinet officials who will be effective and honest.
“Ang gusto ko sana, sana ‘di na mauwi sa kung sinu-sinong kaibigan, kabarilan, ka-chikahan. Sana for a change ang pipiliin kagalingan na lamang. Katapatan,” Marcos said.
(What I envision is that an appointment will not be based on who is a friend, or someone we share hobbies or gossip with. For a change, I hope it will be based on the qualification. Honesty.)
Last January, her brother, Bongbong, said 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.
He said he is also willing to appoint those from opposing parties if they are the best for the job.
‘First 100 days’
Meanwhile, the senator highlighted the importance of the next administration’s first 100 days.
“Magiging napakahirap ang susunod na administrasyon [The next administration will really be faced with a challenge],” she said.
“Napakahirap ng trabaho niya at yung first 100 days dapat kaagad agad makakita ang tao ng pagasa sa kabila ng hirap [It’s a very hard job and in the first 100 days, the public should already see hope amid challenges],” she added.
The senator’s brother is seen as the presidential race’s frontrunner as he consistently ranked first in pre-election surveys. He, however, has drawn criticisms over his non-attendance to several presidential debates, including the debate organized by the Commission on Elections.