MANILA, Philippines ? The long list of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo?s spokespersons is down to four.

She has let go of Lorelei Fajardo, the lone woman among her six spokespersons, and tasked the latter to concentrate on serving as her assistant for Central Luzon.

Fajardo?s departure as press undersecretary followed that of Anthony Golez, who quit the same job (with the same title) to join the congressional race in Bacolod City next year.

The President is now left with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, and deputies Gary Olivar and Rolly Tungpalan to speak for her.

Still friends

Fajardo was removed as spokesperson apparently after telling reporters at a briefing late last month that Ms Arroyo would remain friends with the powerful Ampatuan family, the primary suspect in the massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao.

She has not conducted any of her weekly media briefings since then.

At her last media briefing on Nov. 25, just two days after the massacre, Fajardo said: ?I don?t think the President?s friendship with the Ampatuans will be severed. Just because they?re in this situation doesn?t mean we will already turn our backs on them.?

She was then commenting on the expulsion of the Ampatuans from the ruling party Lakas-Kampi-CMD. Earlier, Fajardo had dismissed the Maguindanao massacre as just a result of a quarrel between two families.

Her choice

In a statement issued yesterday, Fajardo said she preferred to ?devote my full attention to governance issues in Region III where my services are most needed.?

?I welcome the opportunity to dedicate my undivided energy to the demands of this post. I will continue to serve at the President?s behest, in whatever capacity most satisfies her needs,? she said, adding:

?I was given a choice between serving as full-time undersecretary of the Office of the Press Secretary and presidential assistant for Central Luzon.

?The administration constantly addresses various challenges and situations differently. Some of which call for a strategic realignment of priorities and resources.?