Presidential spokesperson (Philippines)

The presidential spokesperson was a government official whose primary responsibility was to serve as the speaking representative of the president of the Philippines. The press secretary (previously the secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office) has historically assumed the role.[1]

Spokesperson of the president of the Philippines
Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas
AppointerPresident of the Philippines
Term lengthNo fixed term
Formation1998
AbolishedJune 30, 2022

History

The president of the Philippines has been considered as the communicator-in-chief – with the chief executive's speeches and statements reflective of Philippine government policy. Starting from the administration of President Manuel L. Quezon, communications of the president has been supported by the presidential staff. The Executive Secretary, since from the time of the first officeholder, Jorge B. Vargas has served a dual role of presidential spokesperson and de facto press secretary.[1]

President Elpidio Quirino was the first chief executive to institutionalize the presidential communications functions in a team, by establishing the Philippine Information Council. The Press Secretary's role during Quirino's term was defined as "serves as the presidential spokesman and his functions include issuing press releases and statements for the President and other related matters". President Ferdinand Marcos' administration was aided by the Press Secretary, Information Minister, the National Media Production Board head, and the President's Center for Strategic Studies head.[1]

President Corazon Aquino established the presidential spokesperson as a distinct position, appointing Rene Saguisag to the role.[1] In 1987, the post of press secretary was revived. The posts of presidential spokesperson and press secretary has been erratic; it has been dissolved, altered, and revived.[2]

President Joseph Estrada abolished the role of presidential spokesperson through Memorandum Order No. 97, issued on April 24, 2000 and transfers the duties associated to the role to the press secretary. His successor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo restored the position of presidential spokesperson.[1]

On June 30, 2022, President Bongbong Marcos issued Executive Order No. 2, which abolished the said position once again. All powers and functions were transferred to the Office of the Press Secretary.[3]

Role
Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella speaking at a press briefing at the Malacañang Palace

The presidential spokesperson task is to speaks in behalf of the president of the Philippines on matters of "public interest, among other things". The officeholder often serves as the primary source of presidential directives in the absence of the president.[1]

According to Harry Roque, one of people who became presidential spokesperson for President Rodrigo Duterte, the role requires to set aside one's personal stances and to relay the positions of the president. He assuming the position itself, has been subject of controversy.[4]

Appointees to the presidential spokesperson role has never been subject to confirmation by the Congress.[1] During the administration of President Bongbong Marcos, press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles assumed the role of presidential spokesperson.

List

Prior to 1998

Rene Saguisag served as President Corazon Aquino's initial spokesman until his resignation in 1987 to run for Senator. Adolfo Azcuna also served as Aquino's spokesman.[5][6]

1998–2022
Portrait Name Term Began Term Ended President
Jerry Barican[7] 1998 2000 Joseph Ejercito Estrada
Renato Corona[8][9] 2001 2002 Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Rigoberto Tiglao April 2002[9] 2002
Ignacio Bunye January 20, 2003[10] 2008
Eduardo Ermita May 20, 2008[11] June 30, 2010
Edwin Lacierda June 30, 2010 June 30, 2016 Benigno S. Aquino III
Ernesto Abella June 30, 2016 October 30, 2017 Rodrigo Duterte
Harry Roque October 30, 2017 October 15, 2018
Salvador Panelo October 15, 2018 April 13, 2020
Harry Roque April 13, 2020 November 15, 2021
Karlo Nograles (Acting) November 15, 2021 March 7, 2022
Martin Andanar (Acting) March 8, 2022 June 30, 2022
Office abolished by virtue of Executive Order No. 2, s. 2022. All powers and functions transferred to the Office of the Press Secretary. Bongbong Marcos

See also

References
  1. "Presidential Communications Reforms". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  2. Ledesma, Jun (March 1, 2021). "PNA survives the vagaries of time and politics". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  3. "Executive Order No. 2, s. 2022". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. June 30, 2022.
  4. Robles, Laisa (September 17, 2021). "Duterte spokesman who mocked the UN now hopes they'll give him a job". South China Morning Post. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  5. "8 Aquino Senate Nominees Must Quit Cabinet". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  6. Pedrasa, Ira (July 25, 2021). "The good Adolf: Second retirement yet to slow down Azcuna". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  7. "Former Palace spokesman dies". Rappler. October 3, 2014. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
  8. Villanueva, Marichu; Araneta, Sandy (February 16, 2001). "Carague is COA chief; Benipayo named Comelec chairman". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  9. "GMA to Tiglao: Substance, not glitz, please". The Philippine Star. April 21, 2001. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  10. "The President's Day: January 20, 2003". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. January 20, 2003. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  11. "Ermita is new Arroyo spokesman". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 13, 2010. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
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