CABINET REVAMP A "MERE RIGODON; DON'T EXPECT MUCH" - KIKO

Commenting on the announced revamp in President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's cabinet, independent Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan today said that the move was a "mere rigodon of the same cheerleaders," offering no new prospects for the growth of the country.

Malacañang earlier announced that Press Secretary Jesus Dureza has been appointed Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, replacing Sergio Apostol. Dureza will be replaced by Presidential Management Staff chief Cerge Remonde, whose post will be taken over by Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. Replacing Esperon, on the other hand, will be Avelino Razon, Jr., Deputy National Security Adviser.

"There are no new faces, no new inputs, no new direction. So what is the point of a revamp if there will be no fresh initiatives?" Kiko questioned.

Kiko pointed out that the purpose of a Cabinet revamp should be to infuse new ideas and initiatives into the President's inner circle--changes that should, in turn, lead to better policy-making and executive action.

"But this move is just like that saying that goes 'to rearrange the chairs on the Titanic.' Kahit ano'ng gawin ng mga nag-ririgodon, lulubog pa rin ang barko (No matter what's done by those playing 'musical chairs,' the ship will still sink)," Kiko quipped.

"We don't expect much from this," he remarked. "It's just going to be politics and governance as usual. Walang masyadong maaasahang pagbabago ang taumbayan dito!"