Ramos reshuffles cabinet in Manila

Ramos reshuffles cabinet in Manila

MANILA (Reuter): Philippine President Fidel Ramos announced a cabinet reshuffle yesterday, naming a new labor secretary and promoting several key aides.

Leonardo Quisumbing, a deputy executive secretary in Ramos' staff, was named Labor Secretary in a statement by the Philippine leader. Quisumbing replaces Jose Brillantes, who was appointed ambassador to Malaysia,

The appointments will take effect on Jan. 16.

Two other officials, Luis Liwanag and Renato Corona, were named deputy executive secretaries in the office of Ramos. They will be involved in the day-to-day running of the government.

The current Philippine ambassador to Malaysia, Alberto Encomienda, is likely to be posted to Singapore, diplomats said.

Ramos has accepted the resignation of Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan, but no replacement has been found.