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Friday, 26 January, 2001, 13:00 GMT
Arroyo gets tough with new cabinet
![]() Many of the new ministers are familiar faces
Philippines President Gloria Arroyo has sworn in half her cabinet, ordering members to adopt a simple lifestyle following the downfall of her predecessor in a massive corruption scandal.
Mrs Arroyo told cabinet members to avoid business transactions involving relatives and banned her own family from government business, according to reports. She also ordered the sale of luxury cars that bureaucrats were given under former President Joseph Estrada, with the proceeds going to public coffers.
Mrs Arroyo took power last Saturday after Mr Estrada was ousted amid a popular revolt backed by the military. The uprising followed the dramatic collapse of Mr Estrada's impeachement trial on multi-million dollar bribery and corruption charges. Setback The swearing in ceremony came a day after her administration was dealt its first blow with the resignation of Defence Secretary Orlando Mercado.
Mr Abadia was not sworn in on Friday - it was said he had also offered to quit after denying Mr Mercado's allegations. Mrs Arroyo did not name a new vice-president on Friday or other key posts including foreign affairs and defence. Old faces Critics said Mrs Arroyo had reneged on a promise to appoint young and dynamic ministers to her cabinet. Of the 10 members sworn in on Friday, seven had held senior posts under presidents Corazon Aquino or Fidel Ramos. The powerful Makati Business Club, which was prominent in the anti-Estrada campaign, said she appeared to have made appointments to appease political factions that helped bring her to power. It called for more specialists and professionals and fewer career politicians. Mrs Arroyo has promised to pay special attention to the economy. Economic Planning Secretary Dante Canlas said economic growth would be 3.8% this year, compared to 3.9% last year.
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