Nograles, Honasan labeled as new Cabinet members

At least two legislators — a congressman and a senator — tag as new members of

President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet partly as a result of vacancies created by the resignation of officials who are running in midterm elections next year.

The congressman is Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, who is likely to appointed by the President as

Cabinet secretary, a position of power vacated by Leoncio Evasco Jr., who is running for governor of Bohol province.

Palace confirmation

Malacañang on Tuesday confirmed that Nograles was one of the “leading” contenders for the position.

“He’s one of those considered,” said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

“I know the others, but I know, and I’ve that he one of those leading,” Panelo added.

Asked to comment on Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra’s remarks that the Davao City congressman would

appointed soon, Panelo declined, saying everyone should just wait for the President to make the announcement.

Honasan in DICT?

Panelo could neither affirm nor deny reports that Sen. Gregorio Honasan II designated leader of the Department of Information and Communications Technology to supplant acting Information Technology Secretary Eliseo M. Rio Jr.

A Palace source said the President was probably going to report Nograles’ arrangement by one week from now and Honasan’s by center of November.

Panelo said the President revealed to him that the declaration about the new arrangements would be made “undoubtedly after the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day occasions.”