Noynoy may appoint Dingdong, Grace Poe to gov't

MANILA, Philippines - Incoming President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is mulling appointing actor Dingdong Dantes and Grace Poe Llamanzares, daughter of the late actor, Fernando Poe Jr., to government posts.

Aquino told reporters on Tuesday he may appoint Dantes to an agency that deals with the youth, such as the National Youth Commission, but added, "that's just brainstorming."

Dantes was one of the strong supporters of Aquino's presidential bid. He had appeared early on in Aquino's political ads on television.

Llamanzares is reportedly being considered to head the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

Llamanzares said she'd rather not comment since there has been no formal offer made by Aquino.

However, she said she understands and loves the Philippine movie industry, which her late father also helped develop.

Aquino earlier announced that he was considering TV talk show host Boy Abunda for secretary of the Department of Tourism. However, Abunda said he was not yet financially ready to join the government. He also cited his current contract with ABS-CBN, which will end in 2011.

Film producer Mother Lily Monteverde, meanwhile, said she will decline any offer to hold a government post. She said it would be better for her to keep a distance from Aquino.

Aquino was also reportedly considering comedian Joey de Leon to head the Optical Media Board (OMB), but the agency said President Arroyo's appointment of actor Ronnie Rickets to the OMB carries a fixed term that will last until February 2013. -- with a report from Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News