Philippine President-elect Aquino announces new cabinet members

Philippine Senator Benigno Aquino III speaks during a news conference at Aquino's residence in Quezon City, Metro Manila June 7, 2010. (Xinhua/Reuters)

Philippine President-elect Benigno Aquino III announced Tuesday the new members of his cabinet.

Aquino's long-time legal counsel and former Quezon City Administrator Paquito Ochoa Jr. will serve as Executive Secretary, heading the official family.

Two of the key posts went to known allies of Aquino's parents -- democracy icons former Philippine President Corazon Aquino and Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. Former Philippine Army chief and ex- Defense Attache to Washington D.C., retired Lieutenant General Voltaire Gazmin was named Defense Secretary. Alberto Romulo was retained as Foreign Affairs Secretary.

Aquino, who won his post on an anti-corruption platform, appointed feisty Human Rights Commissioner Leila de Lima as Justice Secretary. Human rights groups hailed the appointment of the former election lawyer to the Justice department.

Cesar Purisima, one of Aquino's campaign donors, was named Finance Secretary. He was appointed trade secretary in 2004 and later finance secretary in 2005. He once headed one of the country' s biggest auditing firms, Sycip, Gorres and Velayo.

Source: Xinhua