TESDA chief to replace Coloma as Noy spokesman

MANILA, Philippines - Several changes in the Cabinet are expected after the Holy Week break, among them Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) director Joel Villanueva replacing Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

It was reported that Coloma would be transferred to the Civil Service Commission because former chairman Francisco Duque retired last Feb. 1. Coloma would serve a term of seven years at the CSC. He was named PCOO chief in August 2010 and became one of the presidential spokespersons in October 2013.

Sources said President Aquino has signed the appointment papers of Coloma and Villanueva.

Coloma, who is in South Korea on vacation, did not respond to the text message asking him about his appointment.

When he celebrated his 62nd birthday last March 28 and hosted a lunch for the Malacañang Press Corps, Coloma was teased that he was probably giving a farewell party.

Coloma joked: “The problem with you guys is you believe your own stories.”

An appointment with tenure after serving Malacañang is considered a “golden parachute” since the term of the President is nearing its end.

Villanueva, who is in Singapore for an anniversary celebration of the evangelical movement Jesus is Lord, did not directly confirm his appointment. He only said “yes, see you” when asked if journalists would be seeing him by next week.

A source said Villanueva has earned praises from the President for his performance at TESDA, especially in creating jobs. A deputy at TESDA is expected to take over once Villanueva transfers to the PCOO.

Meanwhile, presidential sister and television host Kris Aquino disclosed during one of her shows that Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Winston Ginez would be transferred to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Ginez told ABS-CBN News that he does not yet have an inkling as to who would be appointed to fill the vacant posts at the Comelec since several names had been mentioned in reports over the past weeks.