Tourism needs cerebral, pragmatic head

Defeated presidential candidate Senator Richard Gordon said on Thursday he is not going to lobby for any position in government when president-elect Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III formally assumes his position after being proclaimed by Congress.

But Gordon said he would consider any government post should Aquino offer him one.

“Well I love my country but I’m not going to lobby for any position in this country. Even as tourism secretary (before) I did not lobby for it,” Gordon said in a weekly press conference at the Senate.

“If Noynoy thinks I can be of service then I’ll think about it but I’ll respect whatever he wants,” Gordon said.

But the outgoing senator urged Aquino to study very carefully the people he considering for any Cabinet position.

Gordon, in particular, pointed out that the next administration should consider appointing somebody “cerebral and pragmatic” for the Department of Tourism.

Senator Aquino had earlied mulled on appointing celebrity host Eugenio “Boy” Abunda Jr. as the next Tourism Secretary. Abunda, however, declined Aquino’s invitation.

“Tourism is very important you have to get somebody that is not from showbiz but also one who is cerebral and pragmatic,” Gordon said.

“It’s because the tourism industry has many facets, it’s not only about advertising. We need representation in the World Tourism Organization,” he added.
 
Tourism needs cerebral, pragmatic head - Gordon  
By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA
Manila Bulletin

June 3, 2010, 5:43pm

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/260435/tourism-needs-cerebral-pragmatic-head-gordon