Kris Aquino confessed that it was her suggestion to appoint The Buzz and SNN co-host and talent manager Boy Abunda as Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary, reports ABS-CBNnews.com.
Kris, the youngest sister of president-apparent Benigno "Noynoy"Aquino III, suggested Abunda as DOT head to her brother, citing Abunda's marketing capabilities. "If anybody is to blame, it's me. I was the one who brought it up with Noy. I was the one who brought it up with Boy, not realizing naman it would cause such a major [issue], front page, tatlong araw na deretso," she said.
Kris added, "I've dealt with Boy with so many money matters. And kung meron kang ire-rekomenda para sa gobyerno, gusto mo 'yong taong mapagkakatiwalaan mo, na hindi mangungurakot and protective at aalagaan ang presidente."
She is also urging Abunda to take on the position. "Alam nating lahat na malaki ang maco-contribute mo para sa Pilipinas, go for it Boy… I'm sorry if I was the cause of all of these."
Abunda earlier said he was "not inclined" to take on any Cabinet position but later said he is not closing his doors to the possibility of serving the Aquino administration. "Kasi baka sabihin nila kakainin ko ang mga salita ko ngayon. I am not closing my doors. But am I going to accept any offer, halimbawa, today? I am not. No, I am not going to take the position," Abunda told ABS-CBN News.
Photograph by Noel Orsal of PEP.ph.