Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said new appointments to the Cabinet and other posts may be expected after the lapse of the one-year ban on appointing losing election candidates.
Speaking to reporters in Japan on Friday, May 29, Marcos said the lifting of the restriction opens the door for more appointments.
“Possibly, possibly. Kasi nga nag-lapse na ‘yung one-year ban for candidates that did not make it in the last election,” Marcos said.
[Translation: Possibly, since the one-year ban for candidates who did not win in the last election has already lapsed.]
He said the government is looking to tap qualified people who could still contribute to public service.
“Marami namang magagaling diyan… So don’t be surprised if we start — we get more appointments from those candidates who ran in the last election who didn’t make it,” he added.
[Translation: There are many capable people there… so don’t be surprised if we start getting more appointments from candidates who ran but did not win.]
Marcos said the move is part of efforts to bring in capable people to serve in government and it will not only come from losing senatorial candidates.
“Sayang naman. We have to get the best talent that we can,” he said.
[Translation: It would be a waste. We have to get the best talent that we can.]
The president did not specify specific positions.
Former Senator Francis Tolentino was the latest appointee as labor secretary replacing Benny Laguesma.
