P-Noy to Appoint Robredo, Paje 'permanently'

Manila Philippines (May 27, 2011) - President Benigno Aquino III ended speculations that the two Bikolanos in his Cabinet, Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, are on the way out.

In fact, Robredo and Paje will be permanent members of P-Noy's cabinet.

"Robredo and Paje will be appointed permanently. We will forward their papers to the Commission on Appointments (CA)," the President told reporters covering his state visit to Thailand.

"Good performance" was the term used by the president as the reason why he finally decided that the two gentlemen are the best persons for their respective jobs.

The fragile hold of Robredo and Paje to their positions did not escape public attention, many even believing the president was constantly on the lookout for their possible replacements.

For months, speculations abound that defeated senatorial candidate Neric Acosta was destined from the start to replace Paje. The president said this will not happen, although he plans to give Acosta a cabinet position involved in environmental issues.

As soon as Robredo was appointed acting DILG secretary many were thinking that Vice President Jejomar Binay would soon be replacing him as part of Binay's strategic positioning in his run for the presidency in 2016.