PBBM ‘expands’ power of Rodriguez as ‘Presidential Chief of Staff’
Bersamin not yet sure as new Executive Secretary
CRITICS and opponents of the Marcos administration would have a ‘half-baked’ celebration of sorts in their effort to drive a wedge between President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and his most trusted Cabinet official, Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez, after they succeeded in forcing PBBM to “reluctantly” let go of Rodriguez.
However, the ‘sweet taste’ of victory over Rodriguez’s removal as executive secretary may soon sour for their critics as a reliable source in the Palace said that Rodriguez would be re-appointed as ‘Presidential Chief of Staff’ that, in reality, the source pointed out, carries broader power for Rodriguez.
In a statement, Rodriguez confirmed his resignation as Executive Secretary and his appointment as Presidential Chief of Staff.
Rodriguez also hinted that his new post would give him spare time that he can spend with his family.
“The work of Executive Secretary is a 24/7 job with myriad topics expected to be attended to everyday. It demands a sense of urgency which essentially requires almost all of a public servant’s time to ensure that services are met and delivered.
“Equally valuable, however, is to witness first-hand your young family grow and evolve into how every parent would wish them to become and they most need me too,” Rodriguez said.
Despite being the most senior political appointee in the Cabinet but unlike the Executive Secretary, Rodriguez would be spared of being confirmed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) where the President’s critics and detractors would have a feast day embarrassing him and Rodriguez.
No new ‘ES’ thus far
The source also denied a report by mainstream media that has circulated on Friday, September 16, 2022, that former Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin’s appointment as the new Executive Secretary has already been signed by PBBM.
“Actually, the former and highly-respected Chief Justice is just one of 4 individuals being considered carefully by the President to replace Rodriguez,” the source pointed out.
“In short, the news of Bersamin’s appointment is highly exaggerated at this point,” the source added.
Aside from Bersamin, also being considered to the post to be vacated by Rodriguez are, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos, who has just passed confirmation by the Commission on Appointments last September 14, 2022; Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra and former Commission on Audit (COA) chair, Michael Aguinaldo.
Both Guevarra and Aguinaldo are closely identified and reportedly being backed by Paquito Ochoa, the executive secretary to the late president, Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III.
Bersamin, on the other hand, is reportedly being pushed by the camp of First Lady Marie Louise ‘Liza’ Araneta-Marcos.
Another source noted that Bersamin already has the edge over his three other ‘rivals’ as Abalos is said to be “reluctant” to accept the post of executive secretary and intends to remain at the DILG.
On the other hand, the personal “loyalty” of Guevarra and Aguinaldo to PBBM is under question for their close ties with the opposition thru Ochoa and the Liberal Party (LP), the political vehicle of (still) ambitious opposition personalities like Sen. Risa Hontiveros, former Vice President Leni Robredo and former senator Francisco ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan, the tandem that was clobbered at May 9, 2022 polls by PBBM and Vice President Sara Duterte.
Some of the President’s “loyalists” are worried that Guevarra and Aguinaldo may soon be “leaking out” crucial and confidential information that not only can compromise, but more importantly, destabilize, the Marcos administration.
