A METRO Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) executive on Wednesday expressed willingness to serve as press secretary under the Marcos administration.
“Who am I to decline? I would be humbled and it would be an honor and a privilege to serve under the Marcos administration,” said Michael “Mike” T. Toledo, head of MPIC’s Government Relations and Public Affairs.
“It’s not a question of interest but if public service calls for you to make sacrifices then who are you to say no?” he said in a chance interview on the sidelines of a government-led multi-stakeholder forum, based on a transcript from the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC).
Mr. Toledo currently chairs the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and serves as chief operating officer of Silangan Mindanao Mining Co.
He served as presidential spokesperson during the administration of former President Joseph E. Estrada.
Mr. Toledo, former broadcaster Gilbert Cesar C. Remulla, and Transportation Undersecretary Cesar B. Chavez were shortlisted for the position of press secretary, according to reports last month.
In a phone interview with Palace reporters, Mr. Chavez confirmed that an “authorized person” offered him the press secretary post.
“I said I’m not interested in the press office of the Malacañang,” Mr. Chavez told reporters, based on a transcript from the MPC.
“Honestly, I think some people are more competent and able to handle the job,” he added. “Mentally, physically, emotionally, and professionally, they are more qualified than me.”
Also on Wednesday, film director Paul D. Soriano, who played a key role during the presidential campaign of Mr. Marcos, confirmed to ABS-CBN News that he was also considered for the post, but he declined.
MPIC is one of three key Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT, Inc.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza