Cabinet Members of P-Noy Administration

This are the list:

• Paquito Ochoa Jr., executive secretary;

• Alberto Romulo, Department of Foreign Affairs;

• Edwin Lacierda, presidential spokesman;

• Jose de Jesus, Department of Transportation and Communications;

• Engr. Mario Montejo of the UP College of Engineering, Department of Science and Technology;

• Corazon Soliman, Department of Social Welfare and Development;

• Gregory Domingo, Department of Trade and Industry;

• Ramon Paje, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources;

• Alberto Lim, Department of Tourism;

• Jose Rene Almendras, Department of Energy;

• Proceso Alcala, Department of Agriculture;

• Kim Jacinto Henares, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR);

• Florencio Abad, Department of Budget and Management;

• Julia Abad, Presidential Management Staff;

• Voltaire Gazmin, Department of National Defense;

• Cesar Purisima, Department of Finance;

• Guillermo Parayno, Bureau of Customs commissioner;

• Leila de Lima, Department of Justice;

• Rosalinda Baldoz, Department of Labor and Employment;

• Rogelio Singson, Department of Public Works and Highways;

• Dr. Enrique Ona, Department of Health;

• Armin Luistro, Department of Education;

• Cayetano Paderanga, National Economic and Development Authority;

• Virgilio de los Reyes, Department of Agrarian Reform;

• Teresita Deles, presidential adviser on the peace process;

• Eduardo de Mesa, presidential legal counsel; amd

• Patricia Licuanan, Commission on Higher Education.
Maj. Gen. Ricardo David is reportedly going to be the next Armed Forces chief.

Nograles says goodbye to 14th Congress

Speaker Prospero Nograles on Wednesday bade the 14th Congress goodbye, laying claim to a host of accomplishments that he said the next batch of lawmakers should continue pursuing.

“Our time has come to an end. I think we did our part in the task of nation-building. I have no personal regrets. But all good things must come to pass,” he said.

“The 15th Congress will build from where we left off and our hope is that the new House members will respond to the challenges facing the nation and the new administration. I wish them all and the new Speaker of the House all the best and I pray they will have a successful House of the people,” Nograles said in a text message when asked for his parting message.

Nograles said improvements in the physical structure of the chamber have “restored the dignity of the House.” He cited as among the accomplishment of the 14th Congress the infrastructure projects such as the construction of a new building, “most extensive rehabilitation of the complex in 33 years,” provision of new facilities, scholarship grants to deserving staff, and additional compensation and benefits to employees.

Notwithstanding the flak he got from some colleagues and various groups when the chamber failed to ratify the Freedom of Information bill, Nograles said the House has made headway in passing bills to empower women, improve the banking system, and exempting minimum wage earners from paying income tax.

He also took pride in the passage of the cheaper medicines bill that cut by half the prices of some medicines, the extended rent control bill, additional retirement benefits to members of the judiciary and prosecutors, and the senior citizens bill.

“(The) most extensive upgrading and rehabilitation of buildings and facilities in 33 years, (the) highest record in legislative performance both in quantity and quality, brought the House closer to the people,” he said.

Nograles ran for the mayoralty race in Davao City but lost in the May 10 elections.

In the running for the next Speaker of the House are Quezon City Representative Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. and Albay Representative Edcel Lagman.

Aquino vows to give life to ensure democracy

President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III has vowed to give his life to ensure that every Filipino will benefit from the democracy that his parents had fought for.

"Ilalaan ko ang aking buhay para siguraduhin ang ating demokradsya ay magiging kapki-pakinabang sa bawat isa [I will give my life to ensure that our democracy will benefit everyone]," Aquino said in his speech after he was sworn in as the 15th president of the country.

Aquino said that he never dreamt that he would become the defender of hope of Filipinos as he only wanted to become a good son to his parents, a good brother to his sisters and a good citizen.

"Hindi ko inakala na darating ang puntong ito... [I never thought that this day would come]" He said.

"Ang pagtayo ko ngayon ay patunay na kayo ang aking lakas [My presence here is proof that you are my strength]," he said.

While he wanted to put an end to the problems of the country, Aquino said he never imagined that he would be the one to take his burden.

"...Ito naman po ang umpisa ng aking kalbaryo [This is the start of my calvary]," he said.

Despite this, Aquino promised to be a good example to everyone.

"Sisikapin ko pong maging mabuting ehemplo [I will try to be a good example]. Hindi ko sasayangin ang tiwalaang pinakaloob [I will not waste the trust that has been given to me]," Aquino said.

Aquino also said that he had forgiven those who have hurt him but was not offering reconciliation without justice.

"Sa mga nang api sa akin, kaya ko kayang patawarin at pinapatawad ko na kayo [To those who belittled me, I can forgive you and I have forgiven you]," Aquino said in his speech.

"Sa mga nang api sa sambayanan, wala akong karapatan na limutin ang inyong kasalanan [To those who oppressed the country, I have no right to forget your sins]," he said.

Aquino added, "There can be no reconciliation without justice."

Under his administration, Aquino said he would put an end to red tape and abuse of power.

"Walang wang-wang. Walang counter-flow. Walang tong [There will be no sirens. There will be no counterflow. There will be no bribes]," he added.