'The Left has submitted a very impressive list of nominees. I am inclined to give in,' says Duterte
FORMING HIS CABINET. Rodrigo Duterte, Philippine president-elect, discusses Cabinet appointments during a press conference on May 26, 2016 in Davao City. Photo by Manman Dejeto/Rappler
President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday, May 25, that the Left has submitted its "impressive" Cabinet nominees to him, 4 out of the 10 contenders women.
Duterte said in a news briefing on Wednesday night that National Democratic Front spokesperson Fidel Agcaoili handed the Left's Cabinet nominees to him when they met on Tuesday.
Duterte was all praises for the nominees but refused to divulge their names to save them from humiliation should their proposed appointments fall through.
"The Left gave me a very impressive list of people who have the talent," he said, but added, "I really do not know if they'd be willing to [work for government]."
Women empowerment advocates are closely watching how gender-balanced Duterte's Cabinet will be.
His transition team had earlier announced that the Cabinet would be patterned after the Cabinet of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau which has an equal number of men and women.
The team also tapped Senator Pia Cayetano to advise them on women appointees. But Duterte's incoming Cabinet so far has only one woman, former immigration chief Andrea Domingo who is set to head the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor). (READ: Duterte presidency to have more women leaders)
'Inclined to give in'
Because of the quality of the Left's nominees, Duterte said, "I am inclined to give in. If we can talk smoothly and Jo Maria Sison would come home in July, I'm ready to give more of them positions in government."
He emphasized, however, that he will not offer positions to "hardcore" Leftists or communists.
"I cannot give a position to a combatant," he said.
Duterte has offered the Left the chance to recommend heads for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agrarian Reform, and Department of Labor and Employment.
The Left's top choice for environment chief is Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate.
The president-elect, however, has already tapped former justice secretary Silvestre Bello III as his labor chief. (READ: Who's who in the incoming Duterte Cabinet)
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