MANILA, Philippines—The announced Cabinet reshuffle won’t push through this week, Malacañang said Friday, although the Department of Foreign Affairs went ahead and announced that its secretary, Alberto Romulo, had gone on indefinite leave. Romulo, according to DFA spokesperson Ed Malaya had designated his undersecretary for policy, Erlinda F. Basilio, to serve in acting capacity during his indefinite leave of absence effective Feb. 18.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, on the other hand, said the Palace had not received any communication on Romulo’s leaving.
She said President Aquino is focused on trying to get a reprieve from Chinese authorities for three Filipinos facing execution on Monday and Tuesday next week.
On Romulo’s leave, Valte said: “I just spoke to the executive secretary (Paquito Ochoa) and he said that we have no communication to that effect from this side.”
It was Vice President Jejomar Binay who was sent to China to plead the case on behalf of the three convicted drug mules.
President Aquino on Wednesday said he would make a formal announcement on changes in his official family within the week. He added that it was possible Romulo would be given a new post.
Malaya would not confirm reports that former Ambassador to Washington Albert del Rosario had been chosen to replace Romulo as foreign secretary.
Norman Bordadora, DJ Yap, Phil. Daily Inquirer
