The Office of the Presidential Spokesperson is encouraging ABS-CBN employees who recently lost their jobs to consider a career in government.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque announced Thursday that his office is hiring writers, cameramen, and other members of the production team, urging former ABS-CBN personnel to apply.

"Just for the information of those who need jobs lalong-lalo na doon sa taga-ABS-CBN na nagsarado (those who need jobs especially those from ABS-CBN that shut down), we are hiring writers, cameramen, and other production crew dito sa Office of the Presidential Spokesperson," Roque said during a televised press briefing.

Roque discussed the employment opportunities in his office after recognizing that many workers have been displaced during the coronavirus pandemic. He admitted that while no government agency has retrenched workers, most layoffs occurred in the private sector.

"Kaya ginagawa natin maski dito sa atin opisina tinitingnan natin kung ano 'yung mga position na pupuwede ibigay sa mga nawalan ng trabaho (That's why what we are doing is even in our office, we are looking at the possible positions that can be offered to those who lost their jobs)," he said.

ABS-CBN recently announced plans to cease operations of some businesses and lay off workers effective Aug. 31. The downsizing of the broadcast firm came after a House committee denied the franchise application over alleged violations of the terms of its old franchise.

Roque's plans to beef up his communication team came following his return to the Palace press briefing room at the New Executive Building Thursday.
For the past two weeks, Roque was forced to hold his press conferences outside the Palace after coronavirus infections were reported among PCOO and Radio Television Malacanang (RTVM) personnel.

The coronavirus cases prompted PCOO to place NEB on lockdown to allow the disinfection of the offices and testing of personnel.

Last July 28, Roque was compelled to postpone a post-SONA briefing with some Cabinet members after technical issues marred the conduct of his press briefing manned by a private television crew. 

There were a few times when Roque held his press briefings at the private studio owned by television host Willie Revillame.

Since March, the Palace has prohibited journalists from entering the Palace press briefing room as a precaution against the spread of the disease. 

Roque earlier said he preferred to hold virtual press conferences to avoid infection, claiming he has existing health conditions.