Speculation is rife that Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez might be transferred to another post, but the Palace has yet to make a comment.
“We have no reaction,” Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said when asked to comment on online reports and social media posts saying Rodriguez will likely be replaced and will instead serve as the President’s chief of staff.
Sources said such a move will spare Rodriguez from having to face the powerful Commission on Appointments where an unfavorable action could put President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a bind.
A former Supreme Court justice is reportedly among those being eyed to serve as Executive Secretary.
Cruz-Angeles was also asked by reporters as to the possibility of an ambassadorial post for Rodriguez, to which she replied: “Can’t confirm.”
In July, days before the President’s inaugural State of the Nation Address, Rodriguez belied reports he had resigned from the Cabinet due to alleged pressure within the “inner circle” of the administration.
He also denied allegations he was asking P100 million each from those who wanted to be part of the Marcos government, saying: “That amount is fantastic — demanded by whom?”
The 48-year-old lawyer has been with Mr. Marcos’ camp since 2016 when the then-senator unsuccessfully sought the vice presidency.
Meanwhile, Cruz-Angeles said the President has appointed new officials of the Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority – Deputy Directors General Aniceto dela Rosa Bertiz III, Josefino Isaac Torres, and Teresita Machiavelli Casugbo Mali.