Kris on Noynoy: He's his own man

MANILA, Philippines - The youngest sister of president-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III has defended her brother from critics who lambasted him over possible appointments of celebrities to government posts.
"Ultimately, it's Noynoy's decision kung sino ang gugustuhin niya. Ang pinagdarasal ko lang sana pagbigyan ng pagkakataon ng mga tao 'yong mga talagang sincere ang paninilbihan sa bayan natin," television host-actress Kris Aquino said in her interview on "TV Patrol World" Wednesday.
As of now, Kris said Noynoy has yet to complete the list of his Cabinet secretaries. She was also aware that her brother had approached some people who belong to the entertainment industry.
"Lalo na when it comes to the affairs of the youth at lalo na sa arts na makakatulong naman talaga siguro kung galing sa mundo namin," she said.
Although Noynoy is grateful to big celebrities who supported him during the last elections, "he's his own man" when it comes to making decisions, noted Kris.
"He will always be grateful to those na nandoon mula umpisa. Kaya kagabi (Tuesday night) pinatawagan niya sa akin sina Ogie Alcasid, Dingdong Dantes, pero it's really up to Noy. I think it (appointments) will also be based on public sensibilities and sensitivities," she said.
"Pero alam naman nating lahat kapag ang isang tao naging pangulo na talaga, he's his own man. Talagang hindi na puwedeng utus-utusan ng kahit na sino. At natitiyak ko na si Noynoy hindi talaga magpapauto sa kahit sino," she added.
On Tuesday Noynoy told reporters he may appoint Dantes to an agency that deals with the youth, such as the National Youth Commission, but added, "that's just brainstorming."
Dantes was one of the strong supporters of Ninoy's presidential bid. He had appeared early on in Noynoy's political ads on television.
Also he was reportedly mulling the appointment of Grace Poe Llamanzares, daughter of the late actor, Fernando Poe Jr., to the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
He was also reportedly considering comedian Joey de Leon to head the Optical Media Board (OMB), but the agency said President Arroyo's appointment of actor Ronnie Rickets to the OMB carries a fixed term that will last until February 2013.
Earlier, Noynoy said he was considering TV talk show host Boy Abunda for secretary of the Department of Tourism. Kris has admitted that she was the one who suggested to her brother to appoint Abunda as tourism secretary.
Abunda, however, said he was not yet financially ready to join the government. He also cited his current contract with ABS-CBN, which will end in 2011. -With a report from Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News