‘Sino naman tayo para tumanggi?’: says MPIC exec Mike Toledo if offered to be next press secretary

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) executive Mike Toledo on Wednesday said he is open to accepting the post of the now-vacant press secretary should it be offered to him.

“Sino naman tayo para tumanggi? ((Who am I to decline?) I would be humbled and it would be an honor and a privilege to serve under the Marcos administration,” he said in a chance interview on the sidelines of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ multi-stakeholder forum.

Toledo, a lawyer, however declined to categorically answer whether he has been offered the post nor did he confirm that he was on the shortlist of possible candidates for the post.

He also did not answer whether he was already approached by someone in the Palace to offer him the post.

“I am not in a position to dwell on it. But let me just say that given the opportunity to serve, why would I say no?” he said.

“It’s not a question of interest but if public service calls for you to make sacrifices then who are you to say no? But then again, it need not be in government for you to help, being in the private sector, you can already be a big help,” Toledo added.

Apart from being the head of the government and public affairs group of the MPIC, Toledo currently serves as the chairman of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and he is the chief operating officer of Silangan Mindanao Mining Co.

He previously served as press secretary and presidential spokesperson during the administration of former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada

He was also the campaign spokesman and media bureau director of former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who ran for president in 2010.

The post of press secretary was left vacant after lawyer Trixie Cruz-Angeles tendered her resignation, citing health reasons that need to be addressed.

Among the names being currently floated to be the new press secretary is Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez who said he was aware that he was among those being considered to assume the post.

He, however, said he is still “thinking about it,” saying previously “I expressed no interest in that position.”

“I’m even surprised to be included in the list. There are more qualified, highly qualified [people] for that position. I expressed no interest in that position,” Chavez said.

“I am thinking about it, and I am discussing it with my family…I said I did not apply. I said I did not express interest in that, but I’m part of the Marcos administration. I’m a good soldier. I really don’t want to preempt,” he added.

JMS