MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s campaign manager denied reports of infighting within their camp, which allegedly led to the resignation of Moreno’s chief-of-staff Cesar Chavez.
According to political strategist Angelito Banayo, there are sectors trying to paint an angle on Chavez’ resignation, when in fact the real reason was that Chavez — a long-time radio broadcaster — was returning to his first job.
Banayo further revealed on Wednesday that he was present when Chavez told Moreno last September that since a vice president of the Manila Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) was resigning, he was offered a promotion.
MBC handles radio station DZRH, which Chavez has been a part of.
“Masyado namang ina-angguluhan ng intriga iyong pagbalik sa MBC-DZRH ni Cesar Chavez na hindi lang kaibigan, kundi inaanak ko sa kasal,” Banayo said in a statement sent by Aksyon Demokratiko, Moreno’s party.
(They are spinning the return of Cesar Chavez — who is not only my friend but also my godson in marriage — to MBC-DZRH too much.)
Banayo also said that he told Chavez that it was a great opportunity — to which Moreno agreed.
He also said that he and Chavez have been friends for a very long time, as he had recommended the radioman to various posts.
“I said that’s a great opportunity and the Mayor said it would be a good career move since talaga namang love niya ang pagiging (he really loves being a) broadcast journalist. Cesar has been an outstanding and intrepid radio announcer since the Cory Aquino days, which was when we became good friends,” Banayo explained.
“Kaya dun sa mga bashers and intrigueros – tigilan nyo na ang chismis at intriga. Walang kabutihang naidudulot iyan,” he added. “We wish Cesar all the best as he returns to his professional love from whence he got his moorings in public service.”
(So to the bashers and to those who are spewing intrigues — please stop with gossiping. That would do no good.)
Banayo’s statements were a confirmation of Chavez’ earlier posts, in which he said that he was offered by the MBC management a position as early as March. He then told Moreno about it, to which the local chief executive agreed.
“MBC management has actually offered me a position as early as March this year, and this was announced in a general staff mtg of DZRH about 6 months ago. I told Mayor Isko about the offer, and my intention to accept the same. Salamat Yorme sa pag-unawa, at pagkatataon makapagtrabaho sa Maynila. Napakaraming magagaling at matitino sa city hall. Maraming salamat sa inyo,” Chavez said.
(Thank you very much Mayor for understanding, and for giving me the chance to work in Manila. There are a lot of efficient and good people in the city hall. Thank you very much.)
“Never regretted being COS of the mayor, the job I accepted over being Agriculture Undersecretary with CESO requirement or City Administrator of Mayor Francis Zamora, the positions offered to me before that May 17, 2019 mtg with Yorme. With this decision, my family is happy,” he added.
Aksyon Demokratiko said that even Chavez was surprised by the speculations of infighting, which came out in an online article released on Wednesday.
Earlier, Moreno confirmed to the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum that aside from veteran broadcaster Noli de Castro dropping out of Aksyon’s senatorial slate, Chavez also resigned from his post, citing health reasons.
“Nagkaroon siya ng health reason, that’s one. Two, he has to attend to his family, so ayaw kong nagi-interfere kapag pamilya na eh, syempre kaya ka nga naghahanap buhay dahil sa pamilya mo eh, and I respect that,” Moreno said.
(He encountered a health reason, that’s one. Two, he has to attend to his family, so I don’t want to interfere if it’s a family issue, because of course, the reason why you make a living is for your family and I respect that.)