The Philippine Online Chronicles

Former tourism secretary Ace Durano and Davao advertising executive Ramon Jimenez are now being eyed as candidates for the post Secretary of the Department of Tourism after Alberto Lim’s resignation last week.

The Cebu private-sector tourism community, who were cold with Lim, welcomed the resignation and the probability of Durano as replacement.

“Can we rally for Ace Durano to become secretary again? I would love to lead that campaign,” said SKAL Cebu President Charles Lim.

However, Inquirer reported that Jimenez was a part of President Benigno Aquino III’s election campaign and may most probably succeed Lim.

A Palace source supposedly told the publication that Jimenez had ties with both the “Samar” and “Balay” factions in the administration since he is close to the Samar group but is friends with Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas of Balay. “So both factions wouldn’t have any problem with him,” the source said.

The source said it is “almost sure” that Jimenez will be chosen though the name of former senatoriable Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel was floated.

Travel executive Robert Lim Joseph, who previously called for Secretary Lim’s resignation, said he heard of Jimenez.

“He is an advertising executive, a no-nonsense guy and we are very optimistic and excited to be able to work with him towards the growth of the tourism industry,” he said.

Joseph called for the resignation because he said Lim was one-sided and was in favor of foreign airlines in pushing the open-skies policy. He also mentioned the Pilipinas Kay Ganda plagiarizing issue.

Durano was tourism secretary during the Arroyo administration while Jimenez is the founder and president of Winning Over Obstacles (WOO) Communications Corp., a marketing and media consultancy agency.

Inquirer’s Cebu Daily News Editorial pointed out that while Lim cited personal reasons, the resignation was most likely because of his supposedly lackluster performance and his chilly relations with many private sector tourism groups.

“To his credit, Lim wasn’t linked to any corruption cases. He just couldn’t shrug off the perception that he was, in the language of Senators Joker Arroyo and Miriam Santiago, a lightweight in the President’s inner circle,” the editorial read.

Lim initially denied that he was among the President’s bad news bearers.

Aquino was supposedly frustrated with Lim because, according to a Philippine Star source, Lim “doesn’t know what to do.”

During the announcement of his resignation, Lim said, “I’m not accustomed to the ways of government. I’m from the private sector. For the past 56 weeks (one year), I’ve been traveling almost every weekend. The point is, it took its toll (on me). The family should also have some time. I’d like to spend more time with my family.”

Palace satisfied with Lim’s work

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Aquino was actually satisfied with Lim’s performance.

“During his (Lim’s) period of service as secretary of tourism, international visitors increased to an unprecedented level: over 3.7 million arrivals between July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011,” Lacierda said. He also added that Lim was the chief advocate of the Pocket Open Skies policy which was “the landmark breakthrough from the protectionist policies of the past.”

Lacierda added, “We wish Mr. Lim every continued success, as he returns to private life, to enjoy more time with his family.”