Senator Sonny Angara. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara expressed hope on Wednesday that Vice President-elect Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo would be given a role in the new administration or a new position may be created to accommodate her.
Angara issued the statement a day after incoming President Rodrigo Duterte named the members of his Cabinet. The newly elected president will assume office on June 30.
READ: Duterte presents Cabinet
“Maraming bagong pangalan, marami ring kilala nang nanilbihan sa publiko bilang miyembro ng gabinete o lehislatura, at may mga akademiko rin (There many new names, some have served in the public sector as members of the Cabinet or legislature and others are from the academic [sector]). Mayroon ding galing sa kaliwa tulad nitong administrasyong (Benigno) Aquino (III) at noong panahon ni Cory (Aquino) (There are some from the Left like the administration of Aquino and during Cory’s regime). Hopefully, there will be synergy or what we call ‘the sum is greater than its parts,” he said in a statement.
However, the senator said Duterte should also consider giving Robredo a position, citing the latter’s experience and capabilities.
“Sana ay mabigyan din ng posisyon si Vice President-elect Leni Robredo dahil may kakayanan at karanasan naman siya (I hope Vice President-elect Leni Robredo would be given a position because she has the capabilities and experience),” Angara said.
“Pero dapat huwag madaliin ang bagong pangulo sapagkat marami pa namang bakanteng posisyon sa gabinete at ahensya. Pwede rin namang lumikha ng posisyon si President-elect Duterte para sa bise presidente.”
(But let us not rush the new president because there are still many vacant positions in the Cabinet and agencies. President-elect Duterte may also create a new position for the vice president.)
“Sana’y maipagpatuloy din ng administrasyong Duterte ang pagkakaroon ng clusters kung saan nagtutulungan at nag-uusap ang iba’t ibang departamento sa pagbibigay ng maayos na serbisyo sa publiko (I hope the Duterte administration would continue having clusters in which different departments help and coordinate with each other in giving efficient public service),” the senator added.
Angara is the lone member of Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) in the Senate, the political party being headed by his father, former Senator Edgardo Angara.
LDP endorsed Duterte’s presidential bid in the last May 9 national elections. RAM
READ: Angara’s LDP goes for Duterte