President Aquino has not yet announced who among members of his official family would be replaced or transferred, he added.

Ochoa said the issue on revamp should not be a big deal because Aquino had expressed full confidence in his Cabinet secretaries.

The performance of Cabinet members is being monitored regularly, especially those in an acting capacity, he added.

Ochoa said his brother-in-law, Science Secretary Mario Montejo, was named in an acting capacity, just like Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.

“I suppose based on their performance, the issue (on being in an acting capacity) will be settled,” he said.

Ochoa said all Cabinet secretaries are performing and quite clear on the direction they would take.

“In fact, there are many who are just quiet,” he said.

“There are some who come out in the media and are accommodating. But I think it’s hard to say or pinpoint one or two (who are really good) and the important thing is that we are working as one unit, as one team in public service.”

Ochoa said the Cabinet’s convening by cluster did not have anything to do with supposed factions.

It was only meant to make the meetings more focused and productive, he added.

Ochoa said Aquino’s style is the reason why full Cabinet meetings are rare.

“For him it’s better if we concentrate on specific issues,” he said.

“That is why we meet by cluster, it depends on the issue to be discussed and the relevant secretaries are called.”

Ochoa said they would propose a new system that would reduce clusters.

“In government, we always say that on the administrative side, there is nothing wrong in changing styles,” he said.

“As long as this would lead to the improvement of the bureaucracy or governance.

“Right now, we are proposing, and I think this will push through, a new cluster system composed of five clusters.

“These are human development cluster, economic cluster, infrastructure, security-maintenance of peace and order and justice and governance.”

Ochoa said they could not see the point in calling all Cabinet secretaries to a meeting when they would talk about increases in toll rates or train fares.

Only the members of the economic cluster met early this week to discuss the matter, he added.

Aurea Calica, Philippine Star