GMA, Dominguez deny reshuffle rumors

MANILA, Philippines — Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez yesterday laughed off rumors he would  be transferred to a different Cabinet position and would  be replaced by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Arroyo also dispelled rumors she would  assume the top post at the Department of Finance when her term as lawmaker expires in June next year.

“It’s so hypothetical,” she said when reporters asked her about the rumors.

 Dominguez will  reportedly serve as executive secretary under the office of the President.

Arroyo  said as of now, she is focused on shepherding the approval in the House of Representatives of measures the President has included in his 15-item list of legislative priorities, including those related to the administration’s Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) program.

She said her task is to carry out the President’s legislative agenda.

Arroyo said that the House has already approved 11 of Duterte’s 15 legislative priorities.

Sought for comment, Dominguez said “I am not qualified.”

Dominguez was appointed as DOF chief in 2016.  Under his leadership, the DOF pushed for the comprehensive tax reform program, which seeks to overhaul the country’s tax system to make it simpler, fairer and more efficient.