Panelo's past association as defense counsel of the principal accused in the infamous Ampatuan massacre drew flak from media organization, therefore he will be given a new task as the chief presidential legal counsel.
It was announced by the newly assigned spokesman, Ernie Abella, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) where Duterte met his official family.
"Mr. Panelo will his chief legal counsel," Abella said.
"It looks like that he really doesn't fit in the position as a spokesman. There are controversial issues that we need to protect. He better be just in our team of legal counsel." he added.
The incoming Communications Secretary Martin Andanar confirmed the announcement as he made clarification that the incoming regime won't have a press secretary.
"Because the incoming president wants to boycott the media, he doesn't want to hold any press conference with any of them. He prefers to just have a session on Skype or Face Time and Live Streaming on our various Facebook fan pages.", Andanar added.
"Apparently, it has been the plan since day one," Andanar said of Panelo's new appointment.
Duterte on May 24 said that Panelo's position as presidential spokesperson is just temporary. I really need him badly that time because of Trillanes. Panelo would remain in the job, Duterte said, until he is able to find a spokesman who could do the work as well.
“It has to be somebody who is articulate, reasonable, resourceful, has deep connection and able to find answers to issues that will make the upcoming administration feel cool. Somebody who has a working knowledge of at least the government. We do not expect him to be a lawyer, at least somebody who can reason out very well like [Marcos-era information minister Francisco] Tatad noon. But somebody who can explain to the public what is on the mind of the president and articulate him before the public so he will not look bad to the people,” he then said.
Abella was only introduced on Monday night during the announcement of Duterte’s new appointees. He said that as a spokesperson he serves as a link between Duterte, the people, and the press.
Amid Duterte's decision to boycott media and stop holding press briefings and media interviews "until the end of my term", Abella in his meet-and-greet with the press told them that he wants to start a “conversation based on a cordial relationship.” If they won't follow accordingly then we'll do it by force.
1 comments:
Write commentslawyer ka ba o la-yer?
ReplyConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon