Popular television personality Boy Abunda is being eyed as the next Tourism secretary, along with a short list of possible candidates to replace Alberto Lim who is stepping down at the end of the month.

Reports said Abunda, a close friend of Kris Aquino, is being considered for the DoT post. So are Winning Over Obstacles Communications Group top executive Ramon Jimenez, who served as Aquino’s campaign strategist, Ruffy Biazon, and former Akbayan party list Rep. Risa Hontiveros.

However,deputy presidential spokesman Abigail Valte said nothing is definite since the President has yet to choose Lim’s successor.

“We are aware of the names being floated but nothing is for sure at this time until the President says so,” Valte said.

She asked the public to give President Benigno Aquino time to choose the new DoT secretary, adding that the President will pick “somebody who is qualified and competent.”

She also reassured tourism stakeholders that the DoT’s program will continue even without Lim.

“Yung sinabi nga ho ni Secretary Lim kahapon, the work is institutionalized. So whether the secretary is there or not, tuloy po ‘yung trabaho and the programs will certainly be continued.”

At the same time, she rejected proposals to abolish the DoT.

“Parang hindi kaaya-aya ang pag abolish sa DOT. Ang lumalabas, regression,” she said, pointing out that tourism is a recognized and vital field in the economy.

Valte also rebuffed the clamor that the private sector should run the department, or make it a bureau under the Department of Trade and Industry.

She said a department is needed to coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways for infrastructure and Transportation and Communications for bringing tourists to destinations.

Valte also brushed aside former senator and tourism secretary Dick Gordon’s claims that Lim’s resignation is an ominous sign.

She said Lim quit his post to have more time for his family.

“Siguro po opinyon na po niya ‘yun. We are not reading too much into what has happened. We believe Secretary Lim when he says that he wants to spend more time with his family and that is basically understandable,” Valte said.