Sen.

Noynoy Aquino admits considering Boy Abunda for a post in his government

By: Noel B. Orsal

Sen. Noynoy Aquino believes celebrity TV host

Boy Abunda (inset) can be an asset in his
government.

"He is an icon in the country and even more so

for his ability to communicate, to understand the
audience and to be able to advance a particular
set of ideas," Aquino said.

Mark Angelo Ching

Leading presidential candidate Sen. Benigno

"Noynoy" Aquino III is considering Boy Abunda
for a post in his government, reported
GMANews.tv today, May 31.

In an interview at his Times Street home, Aquino told the press that Abunda is suited in his
government because of his "strong marketing and communication skills."

"Think about it from a marketing perspective, things that you would want to market the
Philippines for. He will be a good communicator," Aquino said of Abunda, known to be a close
friend of the senator's sister, Kris Aquino.

Both Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino host two entertainment programs In ABS-CBN—the
primetime showbiz news program SNN, and the Sunday showbiz talk show The Buzz.

Abunda, known as the "King of Talk," was also the Aquino family's spokesman when former
President Cory Aquino died August last year.

Aquino did not say what department he feels Abunda would be most suited. He did not deny or
confirm reports that Abunda may possibly be assigned to the Department of Tourism, in a
secretary-level position. "It's possible or lower. Usec, asec also," Aquino told the press.

Abunda finished college at the Ateneo de Manila University. He also took up further studies in
international relations.
"He is an icon in the country and even more so for his ability to communicate, to understand the
audience and to be able to advance a particular set of ideas," Aquino said.

When asked if he already talked to Abunda about the matter, the leading candidate for President
exclaimed, "Parang may nabanggit na atang, 'mukhang ok ka sa ganito.' On that level."

Aquino further added, "Problema no'n, how much does Boy Abunda earn in a week? How much
will his salary be in a year in government? Tapos pag Cabinet position, divest."

"PINAG-IISIPAN." In an interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) last May 17,
Boy Abunda said he is an unsure whether he would be able to accept a post in the government, if
Noynoy Aquino offered one to him.

"The only reason why I don't wanna answer that question ay dahil malapit 'yan sa totoong
buhay," the TV host said. "Pero huwag muna...hindi ko alam. You know, kung tinanong mo ako
diyan dati, I will exactly said no. Pero ngayon, hindi ko alam, hindi ko alam talaga... Pinag-
iisipan...nakakakaba!"

Abunda added, "Pag nandito ka na pala sa pagkakataon na ganito, parang... 'But no, I can't do
that. I'm not qualified to do it.' But there are some jobs that I may be able to do. It has not
happened yet. But ewan ko, meron akong pakiramdam na papunta doon."