What does Malacañang have to say to critics who question President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to give showbiz personalities positions in the government? Two words: Zip it.
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar asked the public to respect the President’s prerogative in choosing people who will join the Duterte administration.
“If the President wishes to appoint anyone that (he) deems credible, then we leave the wisdom behind those (appointments) to the President,” Andanar said in an Inquirer report. “I am sure many of us Filipinos understand what we call presidential prerogative.”
Among the showbiz personalities tapped by the President are Arnell Ignacio and singer Jimmy Bondoc, who were both appointed to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., and television host Kat de Castro, who was named tourism undersecretary.
Musician RJ Jacinto was also named a presidential economic adviser.
Andanar was mum about the impending appointment of “Anak” singer Freddie Aguilar who is said to be the incoming chair of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts.
“The (supposed) appointment or appointments are merely rumors until the appointments are signed. So far I have yet to see the signed appointments of those who have been heavily criticized by the public,” he said.
The rumors of Ka Freddie’s appointment sparked online furor from Filipinos who think that he is not qualified for the position.
Seasoned actress Vivian Velez was vocal about her critisims of Aguilar’s appointment.
“While admittedly President Duterte has a soft spot for Freddie, I am afraid the move would be ill advised considering that Freddie lacks the experiential background and management skills for such a position,” she said on her Facebook page.
Current NCAA chairman Felipe de Leon said that Ka Freddie cannot be appointed as head of the cultural agency since the position is not appointive.
Reader Interactions