President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III has officially appointed his ally, Telecommunications Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas to the plum Interior and Local Government post.

At the same time, Aquino appointed Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya to replace Roxas as Telecommunications chief.

"Sa pagtatalaga natin kina Mar at Jun, kumpiyansa tayong higit pang mapapabilis ang pag-usad natin sa tuwid na daan," Aquino said in a press conference Friday.

Aquino said he appointed the two to ensure that the administration's agenda for change will push through. He also asked the Commission on Appointments to immediately confirm Roxas and Abaya.

"Mar was at the top of the very short list," added Aquino when asked if he had a hard time deciding who to appoint, amid many suggested names including Senator Panfilo Lacson, Davao Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Jejomar Binay.