MANILA (PNA) — Malacañang denied that Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. lobbied to President Benigno Aquino III for the appointment of Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Secretary Mario Montejo.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said President Aquino has the sole appointing power on whom he believes fit for the job in the government.

According to Secretary Lacierda, the President appointed Montejo at the DoST post because he believes in the capability and capacity of the new DoST chief.

He added Sec. Ochoa never lobbied to the President for installing his brother-in-law, Sec. Montejo, to the DoST post.

Lacierda also said, Sec. Montejo best fits the DoST portfolio for his knowledge and expertise to head the agency which is the basis of President Aquino in naming him as DoST Secretary.