MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Now that President Bongbong Marcos has finally appointed vacant Cabinet posts like Health and National Defense Secretaries, it’s time to focus on his replacement as head of the Agriculture Secretary. (Marcos has appointed himself as Acting Agriculture Secretary).

The race for the position is getting hotter, with two opposition figures eying the juicy and fertile title, namely former presidential candidate Mar Roxas and former VP candidate Kiko Pangilinan.

Senator Cynthia Villar has also chimed in by suggesting that the next Agriculture Secretary must have his or her heart with the small farmers. She cautioned the potential appointees not to be like her because her heart is with traders like her. (It will be recalled that Villar championed the cause of private rice importation to the detriment of local rice production).

In the end, whoever is appointed Agriculture Secretary must be able to fulfill Marcos’ promise of P20-P25/kilo rice.

(Orman O. Manansala contributed to this report)