President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III will continue to exercise the functions of his office even if he is in the United States. In an interview with radio dzRB, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Aquino issued a memorandum “that he [will still be in charge of matters here]. He also has other instructions to the Cabinet secretaries.” Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. was tasked to “assist or sign papers ordinarily signed by him or under the authority of the president…” Each department secretary, on the other hand, will still decide matters pertaining to his or her agency. “Matters that require the approval of the president in case urgent action is needed, such approval shall be obtained by the fastest and most convenient means of communication,” said Lacierda, quoting from the memorandum. The Cabinet will still meet “as necessary” and shall be called by the executive secretary. All communications to the president shall be coursed through Ochoa, he added. Lacierda said the memorandum is not an affront to Vice President Jejomar Binay. He noted this is possible because of sophisticated communication means already available for use. Binay, on the other hand, will preside over the Cabinet meetings. Also, “the vice president shall represent the president in social functions requiring the presence of the latter and shall preside over all official ceremonies, receive and return the official calls of foreign dignitaries in behalf and in representation of the president,” he said. Lacierda also does not see any problem in forwarding a multi-sectoral panel's report on the Aug. 23 hostage crisis to the Chinese government. – ABS-CBN News Online The report of the Incident Investigation and Review Committee was supposed to be made public already. Palace officials however said the 83-page report will first be forwarded to the Chinese government as an act of courtesy. Aquino will fly to the US Monday to seek money and jobs for the country. – ABS
