Palace on appointments: It’s presidential prerogative

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang yesterday defended President Duterte’s recent appointees from criticisms that they were not qualified for their posts and were merely being rewarded for helping him in the election campaign.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar believes the President has his reasons for choosing someone to handle a government post.

“If the President wishes to appoint anyone that he deems credible, then we leave the wisdom behind it to the President,” Andanar said in an interview with radio station dzRB.

“Many Filipinos understand what we call presidential prerogative,” he added.

Andanar noted that reports about the designation of people to government posts are just rumors until the appointment papers are signed.

Among the new appointees drawing flak online for their supposed lack of qualifications are musician and businessman Ramon Jacinto, who has been named presidential adviser on economic affairs and information technology communications; television host Arnell Ignacio, appointed Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. assistant vice president for community relations; and acoustic singer Jimmy Bondoc, designated as Pagcor assistant vice president for entertainment.

Jacinto composed one of Duterte’s campaign jingles while Bondoc and Ignacio endorsed his presidential bid.

Former ABS-CBN reporter Katherine de Castro, another supporter of Duterte, has also been appointed tourism undersecretary for media affairs.

There are rumors that Freddie Aguilar, Duterte’s favorite singer, may be named chief of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Aguilar composed the campaign jingle “Duterte para sa Tunay ng Pagbabago,” a takeoff from his hit “Ipaglalaban ko.”

Previous reports have quoted chairman Felipe de Leon as saying that the NCCA chairman is not appointed and that the head of the agency has to be elected by its board of commissioners.

Malacañang, however, has yet to confirm reports that Aguilar is being considered as chairman of the cultural agency.