Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella. INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC
“Why not?”
That was how Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella responded Thursday when asked about the reported appointment of Social Welfare Assistant Secretary Lorraine Marie Badoy Partosa as Communications Undersecretary.
Abella, however, could not confirm if Partosa was indeed appointed to the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) pending the release of her official papers.
“Wala pong formal na mga documents na natatanggap regarding the matter,” he said in a Palace briefing. “As far as we understand, wala pang appointment papers.”
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar has confirmed that Partosa was offered a spokesperson post in the PCOO.
READ: Lorraine Badoy appointed as PCOO undersecretary, says DSWD OIC
Asked who is she going to speak for, Abella answered, “Martin Andanar.”
Abella said it would be “excellent” for Andanar to have his own spokesperson.
Asked why he thought it was excellent, he said, “Why not? You know, if he feels the need to have a spokesperson, so why not?”
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officer in charge Emmanuel Leyco confirmed on Wednesday that Partosa was appointed to PCOO.
“Asec Badoy has informed me as OIC-Secretary at DSWD of this development earlier and is now in the process of completing and turning over her responsibilities which is expected to last until the end of the month,” Leyco said.
INQUIRER.net has sought the confirmation from Badoy but she has not responded as of posting time.
Malacañang has yet to confirm if she was indeed appointed. /je