Roxas prefers to be Aquino’s chief of staff, says official

What’s in a title?

Apparently plenty. That is, if one were to accept the account given to the Inquirer by a top government official about why up to now President Benigno Aquino III has not been able to appoint former Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas as a member of his Cabinet.

The top official, who asked not to be identified, said Roxas preferred the role of presidential chief of staff instead of being adviser on strategic concerns, a post that has been offered him.

As adviser, Roxas would still have Cabinet rank and have oversight over the biggest portfolios in the government—economic and political affairs.

The title of chief of staff, however, connotes power because its holder would always have the President’s ear, according to the official.

The chief of staff could also be viewed in some sectors as more powerful than the executive secretary, who is dubbed “the little President.”

The problem about what position Roxas would hold was discussed in a meeting last week between Roxas and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, the official said.

The official was privy to what transpired at the meeting but asked for anonymity because of the confidential nature of the discussions.

On opposing sides

Another Inquirer source said earlier that Roxas—who was Mr. Aquino’s unsuccessful running mate in last year’s elections—was also the President’s “top choice” for the post of transportation and communications secretary, to be vacated soon by Jose “Ping” de Jesus, who has resigned effective June 30.

The official said Roxas was apparently slighted when the President asked him to get his official job title and job description from Ochoa.

Roxas and Ochoa are said to be on the opposing sides of the rival factions in Malacañang called the “Samar” and “Balay” groups.

For last week’s meeting, the official said, Ochoa had prepared a special order from Mr. Aquino designating Roxas, who is currently the Liberal Party president and a former trade and industry secretary, as presidential adviser on economic and political affairs.

Ochoa purportedly told Roxas that designating him as chief of staff was not feasible and was also complicated.

Won’t step on toes

Roxas, on the other hand, told Ochoa that he was not out to step on his toes as executive secretary but he just wanted to have the title of chief of staff, according to the official.

The meeting ended with Roxas wanting more time to study Ochoa’s explanation.

Efforts by the Inquirer to contact Roxas and get his side on the various issues concerning his possible appointment to the Cabinet have been fruitless. Text messages to him were not answered.

Mr. Aquino’s spokesperson, Edwin Lacierda, had told the media that his understanding was that Roxas would be working in the Palace, “but as to the designation of chief of staff, I think that is also being worked out.”

“I’m not sure if he will be properly called the chief of staff. There might be a designation but definitely it will be of Cabinet rank. My understanding is something along the lines of a presidential adviser,” Lacierda had said.

A demotion?

Since his running mate’s stunning loss to Vice President Jejomar Binay in 2010, Mr. Aquino has been vocal about his desire to make Roxas a part of his administration.

The President initially called Roxas his “alter ego” and also dubbed him his chief troubleshooter.

Even with the lapse of the one-year ban on the appointment of losing candidates to government posts, Roxas has yet to accept an official position in the Aquino administration.

The official said that Roxas had been reluctant to accept the post of chief of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) mainly because it would take him away from Malacañang, which he has frequented during the past year, and that some sectors might regard it as a demotion from a chief of staff position.