OP asked Mocha to join Duterte trips, says Andanar

PCOO Martin Andanar is present during the house hearing on budget to defend the proposed PCOO’s budget for 2019 at the House of Representatives in Quezon City. INQUIRER PHOTO/ JAM STA ROSA

So why is Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson usually included in President Duterte’s foreign trips?

“Because Asec. Mocha (had been) requested to join the trip by the Office of the President,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said on Thursday, in response to the question earlier raised by Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate.

Zarate had slammed Uson for her controversial posts in her blog and asked why she was always included in the President’s trips abroad.

“I respect the right of Asec. Mocha as an advocate of press freedom. But if you’re part of a government office, you should be held accountable for [your actions], especially if you’re using public funds,” Zarate said.

During House deliberations on the budget of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Andanar confirmed that Uson was part of President Duterte’s delegation in his ongoing visits to Israel and Jordan.

Uson’s help requested

Other government agencies and officials, including Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, have also requested that Uson help them promote their events, Andanar added.

Uson, he said, currently hosts two shows, the “DDS Podcast,” and “Good News Duterte,” aside from regularly providing content to the government’s press conferences, social media accounts and radio and television networks.

The former sexy dancer and singer was recently criticized for the risque “Pepedederalismo” jingle video that ostensibly promotes federalism.

Netizens’ outrage

Shown over Uson’s “Good News Game Show,” the video had cohost Drew Olivar dancing and chanting, “I-pepe, i-pepe, i-dede, i-dede … ipederalismo!” while making suggestive gestures over his crotch and chest.

The video drew outrage on social media, with netizens calling out Uson for wasting taxpayer money, and some of President Duterte’s allies questioning Uson’s effectiveness in the information campaign on federalism.

PCOO Undersecretary Marvin Gatpayat admitted receiving several complaints against Uson through the government’s complaint hotline, and said that the office had “directed her to answer these complaints.”

Assistant Secretary Marie Banaag said a memorandum had been issued to Uson and other PCOO employees, reminding them of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.