‘… because PBBM knows the enormity of the task ahead… he is taking careful aim at each and every post to be filled and making sure the candidate has what it takes to fill the job.’
NOT a few friends of mine have commented at the rate by which President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (or PBBM from now on) has been naming his Cabinet. The names have been coming in trickles. And there are those who criticize this pace, citing it as some form of evidence that the incoming President is not prepared for the task ahead.
The contrary view may in fact be more valid: because PBBM knows the enormity of the task ahead — what with the country mired in debt, the economy stagnating due to the global impact of COVID-19 and the economic and financial consequences of the Ukraine-Russia conflict — he is taking careful aim at each and every post to be filled and making sure the candidate has what it takes to fill the job.
For example, as the outgoing DOH secretary has said, PBBM should choose someone who knows how to handle a pandemic. It’s also like saying “choose someone unlike me,” which is sage advice from one Duterte Cabinet member who, in my eyes, overstayed his effectivity.
I personally remain satisfied with a vast majority of the appointments, especially the economic team (which I have cited before) and others such as the DOTr and the DICT choices. It is apparent from where I sit that the incoming DOF secretary is bringing on board his own people and placing them in key economic posts – what better way to guarantee that everyone is always on the same page?
Even PBBM choosing to be Agri chief himself is a welcome development – what better way to do what has to be done to uplift the farmers while bringing down the price of commodities? Hunger and poverty (and they come together) are the primary concern of a vast majority of our 110+ million population, whether they’re part of the 31 million or the 15 million divide. When PBBM thinks of “legacy,” issues of the stomach – and wallet – should be front and center.
For my selfish purposes, I am keen to find out who the DOH and DENR secretaries will be. In different ways these choices can make my life heavenly – or hellish!
So yes, it is right that he is being very careful, and is casting his net wide. If you notice, only a very small number of those already named can be considered “loyalists” who were part of the campaign; most are “outsiders” who have been asked to serve – and who have patriotically accepted.
May there be more of them. And wishing all of them the best.
