Former press secretary Mike Toledo has expressed his openness to becoming the Marcos administration's next press secretary, days after his name surfaced as one of the candidates for the said position.
Toledo said this a day after lawyer Trixie Cruz-Angeles resigned from the position on Tuesday, October 4, supposedly due to health reasons.
In an interview with reporters at the Manila Hotel, Toledo said he is doing everything he can to help the government as mandated by his boss, businessman Manny Pangilinan. Toledo is the head of Government Relations and Public Affairs of Pangilinan's Metro Pacific Investments Corp.
He said being included in the shortlist is already an honor.
"I consider it to be an honor in itself," Toledo said on Wednesday, October 5.
"Can you imagine-- of all the possible talents out there, there are a lot of talents out there, good people, brilliant minds, dedicated people as well, who I am sure are more than willing to serve government, and yet I am one of those in that shortlist," he added.
Toledo, who served as the press secretary of former President Joseph Estrada, said he would accept the position if it were offered to him.
"It's not a question of interest, but if public service calls for you to make sacrifices, who are you to say 'no'?" he said.
"There are no considerations. I always believe that the greatest calling is public service," he added.
"Sino ho ba naman tayo para tumanggi (Who am I to decline)? I will be humbled. It will be an honor and privilege to serve under the Marcos administration," he continued.
Meanwhile, in an interview with ABS-CBN News on Wednesday, controversial director Paul Soriano confirmed that he was being eyed as Angeles' replacement as press secretary.
However, he thought he would serve the administration better behind the scenes.
"Yes, there was a conversation, but I feel that the position needs more qualified people to help the President," Soriano told ABS-CBN News.
"I can be of better service behind the scenes working with the President's media and communications team," he added.
Soriano is the husband of TV host-actress Toni Gonzaga. Both are known supporters of President Marcos.
Gonzaga headlined the performances during Marcos' campaign and sang the National Anthem during his inauguration. Meanwhile, Soriano directed the President's first State of the Nation Address (SONA) and was a consultant for the inaugural setup.
Early this year, Soriano revealed that he is a nephew of First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos.