Alan Peter to replace Yasay in DFA

MANILA, Philippines - It’s definite: Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano will head the Department of Foreign Affairs by mid-2017.

In an interview with CNN Philippines, President Duterte said he would give the post to his former runningmate after Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. steps down and returns to the United States “to fulfill his obligations.”

“Alan Cayetano will be coming in to take (the) post,” Duterte said.

Yasay was a visiting law professor at the Richardson School of Law in the University of Hawaii, according to his government profile.

“He is on contract as a professor,” said Duterte. “Nakiusap naman ako (I spoke to him) because he was my roommate during law school.”

The President added that he does not have plans yet for former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who also ran in the last vice presidential race.

He admitted he is indebted to Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, who supported his presidential campaign.

“Not yet. I do not want to make promises,” Duterte said about speculations over a possible government post for Marcos Jr.

He revealed that Marcos had originally wanted to be in the Department of Tourism, but he could not be appointed to the post at the time.

Rules forbid losing candidates from taking government posts until a year after elections; this prevents both Cayetano and Marcos from assuming posts in the Cabinet until the middle of 2017.

“Ang gusto niya kasi sa (He wanted) DOT, but I cannot wait for him,” said Duterte. “I have to move. I have to start. We have to hit the ground running.”

Duterte said that he is happy with his Cabinet, which includes Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo.