Duterte designates Panelo as his spokesman

Salvador Panelo FILE PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte has designated Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo to be his spokesman.

Panelo announced this to Palace reporters on Friday, a day after reports surfaced that he will be taking on the role when outgoing Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque resigned to pursue a Senate seat in 2019.

“In compliance with the instruction of the President, and to ensure the continuous and effective delivery of public service, you are hereby designated as Presidential Spokesperson, effective immediately,” the memorandum, which was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, said.

The memorandum was issued on Thursday.

Asked if Roque has resigned, Panelo said he has no personal knowledge on it that but claimed that Roque “really wants to be senator.”

He added that the former Kabayan Representative has asked to meet members of the Malacañang Press on Monday “probably to say his goodbye.”

On Thursday, Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go told INQUIRER.net that Panelo will serve as the “concurrent” Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Legal Counsel. /je

READ: Panelo is Duterte’s next spokesman