source: abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) - President Arroyo on Wednesday named 5 new Cabinet officials to replace members of her official family who quit their posts to pursue local positions in the May 10 elections.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza will be the next executive secretary, replacing outgoing Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita who is running for a congressional seat in Batangas province.

Solicitor General Alberto Agra will be the new justice secretary, replacing Agnes Devanadera who is running for a congressional seat in Quezon province.

Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Elena Bautista was named director general of the Presidential Management Staff in place of Hermogenes Esperon, who is running for a congressional seat in Pangasinan.

Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Bernardo Fondevilla will temporarily replace Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, who is running for a House seat in Bohol province.
 
Senior deputy executive Secretary Jake Lagonera was named budget secretary replacing Rolando Andaya, who is seeking a congressional seat in Camarines Sur.

Asked why Mendoza was chosen by President Arroyo, Ermita said the post is a "position of confidence."
He said the President made the choice based on "experience, competence and reliability."

Ermita said it was up to Mrs. Arroyo whether to designate Mendoza also as presidential spokesman.
The post of executive secretary is sometimes referred to as the "little president."

Mendoza served as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief in the first year of the Arroyo government prior to his appointment as secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications.

He was one of the police officers who supported the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada and the take over of Mrs. Arroyo in January 2001.