President-elect Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III said that the composition of his Cabinet may be known this week.

Aquino bared this Sunday, saying the search for members of his official family had made significant progress last week and barring any hitches, the selection process would be finished this week.

“We've been making significant progress. I've got a lot of good news this week. Hopefully, it will continue by next week and hopefully we would finish by next week,” Aquino said in an interview with ABS-CBN television network Sunday when the President-elect visited his parents’ tombs at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque.

Aquino also denied on Tuesday reports that television news anchor Ricky Carandang will be his Press Secretary.

“Not correct. Will still have to talk to Ricky,” Aquino said in a text message sent to the media who asked him to clarify the rumors about Carandang’s supposed appointment.

“(It's) unfair for him to read about it instead of hearing from me that I would want of him,” he said, neither confirming nor denying Carandang's supposed appointment in his Cabinet.

When asked if Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo would be appointed Interior and Local Government Secretary – a post being eyed by Vice President-elect Makati City Jejomar Binay – Aquino said, “No comment muna diyan. We'll still have to talk to so many people.”

Aquino last week met with candidates for his Cabinet, including the late President Corazon Aquino's former Public Works and Highways Secretary Jose “Ping” de Jesus who is rumored to be the top candidate for Transportation and Communications Secretary.

His meeting with De Jusus was “very productive,” Aquino earlier said.

Aquino's longtime friend and legal counsel and the next Executive Secretary, Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa earlier said that they have prepared a shortlist of candidates where the President-elect would choose from for his official family.

The list includes least three names for Aquino to consider per position, Ochoa said.

So far, Aquino has named only four members of his Cabinet. They are Corazon "Dinky" Soliman as Secretary for Social Welfare and Development, Teresita Deles as Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Ochoa Jr. as Executive Secretary, and lawyer Edwin Lacierda as Presidential Spokesperson.

For his plans for his inauguration on June 30, Aquino III said nothing is definite yet, including the planned limousine ride with outgoing President Arroyo whom he has had political differences.

The proposal came from Arroyo's transition team which noted that the limousine ride of the two Presidents on board the vehicle sporting the No. 1 plate – one of the symbols of the highest post of the land – is part of tradition during the inauguration of a new President.

“I'm having it reviewed and we're still making the plans for the inauguration. I will announce the plans for the inauguration at the appropriate time,” Aquino told newsmen Saturday at the sidelines of the wedding of his partymate, Laguna Rep. Maria Evita Arago in San Pablo, Laguna. (With a report from Kris Bayos)