LP affiliation no ticket to gov’t job

MANILA, Philippines—Being a member of the President’s Liberal Party is no guarantee that an also-ran in the 2010 elections can get a post in the administration, now that the prescription period for such appointments is over.

This was what President Aquino himself told reporters on Friday: “Being an ally is a good factor but that is not the only factor. Are there suitable positions for their respective talents?”

In pronouncing this condition, Mr. Aquino was probably aware of the opposition’s admonition on Thursday not to make the bureaucracy a “parking lot” for party members seeking employment.

Still, Mr. Aquino said the government would make a study about whether it would create certain positions “to fill needs that have been felt in these ten months or so of our governance.”

He added, “That will still be reviewed and (what) will redound to the benefit of the people.”

Mr. Aquino made the remarks when asked about the list of 30 LP members that the party asked be considered for appointment in his government.

Mr. Aquino’s running mate, former Sen. Manuel Roxas, is expected to be named to the Cabinet as presidential chief of staff.

Reacting to observations that Roxas might be “shoe-horned” into a Cabinet that has already a full complement, Mr. Aquino said, “We are defining (the roles) so there is no overlap among the (functions of the) Chief of Staff, Executive Secretary and the head of the (Presidential Management Staff).”

Other LP members reported to be interested in finding a place for themselves in the administration include defeated senatorial candidates Nereus Acosta, Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel and Ruffino Biazon.