President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said that his next press secretary should be a friend of the media and someone who knows messaging well to get important information across.
Marcos said this following the resignation of lawyer Trixie Cruz-Angeles from the said post early this week due to health issues.
In an interview during the oath-taking of new Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) officers, the President revealed that the shortlist for the next press secretary is now down to three people.
"We are down to a shortlist of three. So, we're trimming it down," he said.
Marcos said he would name the next press secretary next week.
"Early next week, we should make the announcement," he said.
"Malapit na 'yan, para hindi na ako haharap dito sa inyo (That's coming soon, so I won't have to face you anymore)," he joked.
WATCH: President Marcos says shortlist for the next Press Secretary down to three people; appointment will likely happen early next week. ( MPC pool) @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/9iyU0kD6gu
— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyllcyrus_MB) October 6, 2022
However, President Marcos refused to name the three people on the shortlist.
"It wouldn't be fair to them kasi yung hindi mapili they will be (because those who will not be chosen might be hurt)," he said.
When asked about his considerations in choosing the next press secretary, Marcos said they should be a friend of the media.
"Yung kaibigan ninyo (They should be your friend)," he said.
"Obviously, you need somebody who is very experienced in the... probably a journalist or is a media practitioner. Yun naman ang kailangan (That's what we need)," he added.
"Yung marunong mag-messaging para yung mga gusto naming palabasin, talagang lumalabas (We need someone who is good in messaging so we can really get the information we want out there). That's what's important -- that we get the information, the messaging across," he continued.
Reports surfaced that Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) head of Government Relations Mike Toledo, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) director Gilbert Remulla, and director Paul Soriano were being considered as Angeles' replacement as Press Secretary.
Chavez confirmed he was being considered for the post and was thinking about it. On the other hand, Toledo is open to returning as Press Secretary. Toledo served the same position during the Estrada Administration.
Meanwhile, Soriano confirmed to ABS-CBN News that he was being considered but said he preferred to work behind the scenes. Remulla told GMA News Online that he was in the process of "deep discernment," but he was concentrating on his role in PAGCOR.
Chavez, Toledo, Soriano, and Remulla all have media backgrounds.