PRESUMPTIVE Philippine president Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. will appoint his longtime chief of staff and campaign spokesperson as the next executive secretary, his camp said on Sunday.
In a press statement, the Marcos camp said Victor D. Rodriguez has “relinquished his post as spokesperson of Marcos to prepare for his new assignment,” the highest in his career so far.
Mr. Rodriguez was described in the media release as “fiercely loyal” to Mr. Marcos, who has been reportedly eyeing to include several people who were part of his campaign in his administration.
“Who can say no to President-elect Bongbong Marcos? It is an honor working with him, whom I have known for a very long time and I believe will serve the country efficiently and with unquestioned devotion,” Mr. Rodriguez said. “It is very flattering to work alongside the best person I’ve known.”
Unofficial vote count showed a landslide victory for Mr. Marcos, but Congress, which serves as the National Board of Canvassers, is yet to convene to officially announce his win.
If appointed, Mr. Rodriguez will directly assist the president in managing government affairs and direct the operations of his office.
“The Office of the Executive Secretary is tasked to perform various other duties upon the discretion of the President or as stated by law,” according to the government’s official gazette.
Mr. Rodriguez is currently a managing lawyer at Rodriguez & Partners Law Firm and president of a lawyers league that is based near the capital Manila. He had served as deputy general counsel of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza