MANILA, 6 May — The business community approves the possible elevation of Finance Secretary Alberto Romulo, who is the most likely replacement of Renato de Villa, as executive secretary when the latter is to go on an extended leave following a heart bypass surgery.
Miguel Varela, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in newspaper reports after the announcement of the plan, welcomed the move.
Varela reportedly had said that Romulo’s background as a lawyer would serve him well in the job.
He noted that Romulo’s stint as senator and later budget secretary during the Aquino administration makes him competent to fit in the role of “little president.” According to reports, Varela likewise welcomed the possible appointment of Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II as new finance secretary, but said Roxas has done well in his present job.
Varela said Roxas, who was also trade secretary in the Estrada administration but quit when the leader was embroiled in a corruption scandal, was able to give attention to two important areas — information technology and consumer welfare.
