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Thursday, May 22, 2008
Ermita is new presidential spokesman
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo named Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita as her new spokesman vice outgoing Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye who was earlier appointed to the Monetary Board.
Arroyo, in an informal discussion with the media at the Panglao Resort and Spa in Bohol Tuesday night, cited Ermita's relationship with the media, adding that he regularly conducts a weekly briefing with the media.
Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo
"It will be in a concurrent capacity," she said.
Ermita, in a phone interview Wednesday afternoon, said he was taken by surprised when the President called and informed him of his additional assignment.
"I thanked her for the confidence that she has entrusted on my humble person. Who am I to refuse an assignment because it's just an assignment given to me by the President, in the same manner that in the past, she gives out instructions to me about what I must do," he said.
He added that since his job includes assisting Arroyo on all administrative matters, he does not see any problem with his handling the communications aspect.
Ermita said he probably got the job because aside from his being accessible to the media or most of the time, Arroyo does not want a "hiatus when Secretary Bunye finally leaves his post as presidential spokesperson."
He said he would assume the post of spokesperson on July 3. He said Bunye would continue to be the political adviser, even if he finally moves to the Monetary Board, until his replacement has been chosen and named by the President.
Bunye would first vacate his post as press secretary on June 16 to give way to his successor, outgoing peace adviser Jesus Dureza, but continue to assume his additional tasks of presidential spokesman and concurrent political adviser until July 3.
As this developed, Arroyo also defended the appointment of Dureza as her new press secretary, recalling that he had been among the front runners in the nominees prepared by the search committee even in 2002 when she then chose Bunye for the press secretary portfolio.
Dureza, prior to his work in government, worked as an editor of the Mindanao Times from 1972 to 1987 and was a correspondent of the Manila Times until 1972 and Manila Bulletin until 1987.
He also hosted the television program "Brainstorm" in Davao City and radio host of RMN-Bombo in Davao. He also became the president of the Davao Press Club in 1972.
He would be replaced as peace adviser, also on June 16, by recently retired Armed Forces chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
The President reiterated that the Cabinet revamp is a "minor one" noting that when the media first reported of a major revamp, there were some people who had actually approached her office to apply.
Arroyo declined to say what positions and who were among the applicants, stressing that the revamp is a "minor" one.
Bunye, quoting the President, earlier said the revamp is limited to him and outgoing secretary to the Cabinet Ricardo Saludo who was nominated to chair the Civil Service Commission.
Saludo would be replaced by presidential adviser for new government centers Silvestre Bello III who would assume his new assignment once his predecessor is confirmed by the Commission on appointments. (JMR/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Dumaguete. (May 22, 2008 issue)
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