The Philippine Online Chronicles

National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales has been appointed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro's replacement, Malacañang announced Saturday.

Arroyo appointed Gonzales as administration bet Teodoro leaves his defense secretary position to run in the 2010 elections under the Lakas-Kampi-CMD.  He is expected to formally leave his post on Monday, November 16 and turn over his post at simple rites.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told GMANews.TV that Gonzales is also knowledgable about defense matters and is no stranger to the post because he has once acted as the DND’s officer-in-charge until Teodoro was appointed in 2007.

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, announced in a press conference yesterday that actor and former Optical Media Board chair Edu Manzano will be Teodoro’s running mate.

Manzano told abs-cbnNEWS.com that Teodoro "possesses all the qualities that are necessary to move this country forward" and he “would like to hitch my wagon with that of the good secretary and be part of his team that would push the Filipinos' future."