PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is in the final stage of scrutinizing candidates for vacant posts in his Cabinet, Malacañang said Monday.

In her first briefing as Presidential Communications Operations Office chief, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said that the qualifications of potential heads of departments and agencies are “being evaluated well.”

While no deadline for the completion of the Marcos Cabinet has been set, it is likely that all positions will be filled soon, she added.

“I understand this is now going through the final evaluation stage. So I don’t think it will take too long,” Cruz-Angeles said.

Marcos has yet to appoint heads in the Department of Health and Department of Energy.

Given how crucial the positions are, especially with regards to the country’s post-pandemic recovery, Cruz-Angeles said that the Chief Executive wants to make sure he designates the right persons for the posts.

“The President is quite aware and in fact one of the priorities is managing the effects of this pandemic. So, you must also understand that this is so important. They must look very closely and carefully at the candidates,” the Palace official said.

“We will rely on the President’s wisdom to choose the best people for the job,” she added.