President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is considering appointing politicians who lost in the May 2022 polls after the one-year ban is lifted this month.

In an interview with the media onboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR 001 on Sunday, Marcos said he would strengthen the Cabinet by adding more members during the beginning of the second year of his term.

“Marami namang magaling na hindi nanalo sa eleksyon na gustong tumulong (There were a lot of competent personalities who didn’t win in the elections that want to help). So we will certainly look into that in different positions,” Marcos said.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the losing candidates are barred from assuming positions in the government within a year after the elections, which were held on May 9, 2022.

Marcos, however, did not divulge any names of the potential appointees as he wants to talk with them first.

“They should not hear it naman from the press. They should hear it from me. Kami muna mag-usap (We should talk first),” Marcos said. (PNA)