Palace denies Cabinet revamp in the offing

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Friday ruled out any Cabinet revamp involving Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and Secretary Julia Abad of the Presidential Management Staff on August 1.

“We spoke to Secretary Rene Almendras this morning and he confirms that he continues to be the Energy Secretary come August 1. However, with reference to Secretary Julia Abad… we can confirm that Secretary Julia Abad will be moving out of the PMS building for (its) retro-fitting,” said Abigail Valte, one of President Benigno Aquino’s spokespersons.

Valte said at a news briefing that Malacañang had no information that former Finance Undersecretary Emmanuel Bonoan would replace Almendras.

“As the President said a few months back any announcements of changes in the Cabinet will be made officially,” Valte said, reacting to news reports on the supposedly impending revamp involving the three officials effective August 1.