MANILA, Philippines —President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday said his next press secretary must be a journalist or a media practitioner, with experience in getting information across.
Marcos Jr. said he needs a press secretary who is “very experienced” in messaging and a “friend to the media.”
“‘Yung kaibigan ninyo,” he first told reporters when asked about the qualities he’s looking for in his next press secretary.
(The one who is your friend.)
“Obviously we need somebody who’s very experienced. Probably a journalist or is a media practitioner. ‘Yun naman ang kailangan. ‘Yung marunong mag-messaging para ‘yung gusto naming palabasin, talagang lumalabas,” Marcos added.
(That’s what’s needed, someone experienced in messaging so that the information we want to release will be conveyed.)
“That’s what’s important that we get the information, the messaging across,” Marcos continued.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. speaks at the opening of the Agrilink, Foodlink, Aqualink 2022 held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Screengrab from RTVM video
The President said he is currently choosing between three personalities for the position, and his pick may be announced early next week.
The names of three media veterans have recently surfaced and are being considered for the next press secretary: Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez, lawyer Michael Toledo, and former Cavite lawmaker Gilbert Remulla.
Chavez, a seasoned broadcast journalist, earlier confirmed that he had already been offered the press secretary position, but he asked for some time to process the offer.
Meanwhile, Michael Toledo, who previously served as the press secretary of former President Joseph Estrada, said he is open to accepting the job but did not say categorically whether he was already offered the post.
Toledo is currently head of government relations and public affairs of the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp.
Remulla, who was also a broadcaster, likewise confirmed to INQUIRER.net that he has been offered the post but is currently “in the process of deep discernment” about accepting it.
He said he is currently “enjoying and concentrating” in his position as a member of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. board of directors.
“I’m flattered I’m being considered and I serve at the pleasure of the President,” he said in a Twitter message.
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