Duterte may hold a Cabinet post, says aide

Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte speaks at a press conference on May 25. INQUIRER PHOTO

DAVAO CITY—President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is “possibly” considering holding a Cabinet position himself, says his executive assistant Christopher Go.

In an interview with reporters Tuesday afternoon, Go said Duterte, known for his fierce approach in stamping out criminality, would want to be hands on in the area of peace and order.

Duterte has yet to build a full Cabinet but is set to meet his appointees at the presidential guest house here.

Go also confirmed that Duterte had named appointees to the defense and interior and local government portfolios, but they have yet to be named.

Some of Duterte’s handpicked appointees have arrived for the meeting, including incoming Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Secretary to the Cabinet Jun Evasco, Education Secretary Leonor Briones, and Left nominees Rafael Mariano (agrarian reform) and Judy Taguiwalo (social welfare).

Duterte is expected to present most members of his Cabinet this afternoon.

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