RAMOS' BOYS LOSING THEIR JOBS FAST - Malacanang took note previously of Salvador "Jun" Enriquez, President Ramos' budget secretary, leading opposition activities. When Ramos issued a statement calling for a "new government without bloodshed", that was the final straw. Four Department of National Defense (DND) secretaries, Presidential Assistant on Political Affairs Joey Rufino (who is in the U.S. looking for a new liver), Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Undersecretary Art Valdez, and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Administrator Danilo Coronacion, all identified with FVR have been booted out. Undersecretaries are career officials. What's this "cock and bull story" of Secretary/lie-toting Bunye that Art Valdez's appointment was not renewed?
First Gentleman Mike Arroyo arrived recently from San Francisco claiming he was there to solicit hospital and medical equipment for his so-called foundation. Previously, his office said he was there for a medical check-up. Anyway, he slammed into former AFP Chief of Staff Lisandro "Boy" Abadia, calling him a liar and peddling another "cock and bull story." Yes, "Mighty Mike" hit hard like the fighting cock that he is even if he talks like a eunuch. His staff has increased with the assignment of a useless undersecretary, former airport GM Ed Manda, and an assistant secretary, former Cemex PR girl Juris Soliman.
Malacanang is shopping around for a new Labor secretary. Former Labor chief Bernardino Abes may be harnessed. Some DoLE insiders are batting for Usec. Manuel Yuson. The Hacienda Luisita headache is still very much alive.
With the expiration of the U.S. garment quota at the end of December, another half a million garment factory workers will lose their jobs, adding to the rising unemployment rate under the Arroyo regime.
Annelli Lontoc of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Elena Bautista of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) advised Gloria to reorganize the DoTC. Was Art Valdez its first casualty? Will DoTC Secretary Larry Mendoza be next? Will he be appointed to the DILG? Expect more of FVR's men losing their juicy jobs soon.