At least five names were reportedly on the list of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. as his next Press Secretary after Trixie Cruz-Angeles vacated the post due to medical reasons earlier this week.
The pool of candidates to succeed in the position is as follows:
- Dante Ang II, CEO of The Manila Times
- Cesar Chavez, Undersecretary for Rails
- Gilbert Remulla, PAGCOR Director
- Paul Soriano, Filmmaker
- Mike Toledo, Lawyer and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Executive
On Wednesday, Chavez admitted that he was 'informed' that he was among the choices to be the next press secretary.
When asked if he would accept the offer, Chavez said he is still thinking about it and discussing it with his family. But he believes that he "can be of more service to the country if I focus on the railway sector."
Chavez, likewise, revealed that Remulla and Toledo are the other two names in contention for the position.
“I was told being considered sila. Two more names. Mike Toledo at si Gilbert Remulla,” he told reporters in an interview.
Remulla, a former lawmaker in Cavite and TV reporter, said he did not apply for the position.
"I did not apply, I am happy where I am now as board director of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR)," he said.
Meanwhile, Toledo declined to confirm that he got a formal offer for the position but said he is willing to be Marcos' mouthpiece. He previously served as former President Joseph Estrada's press secretary.
"Sino ba naman po tayo para tumanggi? I will be humbled and it will be an honor and a privilege to serve under the Marcos administration," he said in a chance interview on the sidelines of an environment conference in Manila that the President also attended.
"I am here to help in any way I can, whether I am in the private sector or should I go to the public sector," he said.
Soriano, the husband of TV host-actress Toni Gonzaga, also confirmed that he was offered the position.
“Yes, there was a conversation but I feel that the position needs more qualified people to help the President,“ Soriano said. "I can be of better service behind the scenes working with the President‘s media and communications team."
Soriano was the director of Marcos' first State of the Nation Address in July. He and his wife also actively campaigned for the President during the May national elections.
On the other hand, Ang has yet to release a statement regarding the matter.
President Marcos is set to mark his First 100 Days in office on October 8.
