Palace denies talk of Cabinet revamp

Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras. FILE PHOTO

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

“We spoke to Secretary Rene Almendras this morning and he confirmed that he would continue to be the energy secretary come Aug. 1. However, with reference to Secretary Julia Abad, we can confirm that she will be moving out of the PMS building which is due for retro-fitting,” said Abigail Valte, deputy presidential spokesperson, in a Malacañang briefing.

Valte said she had no information about former Finance Undersecretary Emmanuel Bonoan replacing Almendras as reported on Friday (not by the Inquirer).

“As the President said a few months back, any announcements for changes in the Cabinet will be made officially,” Valte said.

Rumors of a revamp effective Aug. 1 have been swirling for over a month now, and the names of the three officials have been floated as those involved. Mr. Aquino’s spokespersons have consistently denied this.

Meanwhile, Mr. Aquino has reappointed Maria Cynthia Rose Bautista as commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education, with a term running until July 21, 2016. A professor at the University of the Philippines Sociology Department, Bautista has been CHEd commissioner since December 2011.

The President also appointed Alexander Asuncion as a member of the governing board of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration for three years, replacing Leonardo de Ocampo. TJ Burgonio