‘I could have gone farther as a singer’

Asked whether he is now contemplating an elective post, newly resigned Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes said he is thinking of a singing career instead.

"Now I have to seriously think about a singing career. I think I could have gone farther in life if I devoted (it to) singing in entertainment than the military," Reyes said in jest.

With tears in his eyes, the 58-year-old Reyes made his last salute to his commander-in-chief, President Arroyo, yesterday at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

He answered questions in a more relaxed mood.

Reyes’ debut on stage as a singer was during a P10,000-per-plate dinner and musical show at the Manila Hotel earlier this year.

Reyes, along with Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina Jr. and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando, and joined by professional singer Dulce, did the "Salute" concert last May to raise money for legal assistance for good cops.

The concert was so successful that its producer, Beth Tagle, was able to book the trio for a concert tour in Australia.

The three singing Cabinet members were supposed to stage another concert this October, this time for the benefit of the enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Tagle told The STAR that preparations for this new concert continued even after the July 27 failed mutiny in Oakwood.

Asked if he would still be willing to sing pro bono (for free) as he did in the first "Salute" concert, Reyes retorted: "That depends if they think I could haul in a paying audience."

When asked what would be the most appropriate song for President Arroyo, Reyes readily sang "You’ll Never Walk Alone," the song he sang also during one of the press gatherings held recently.

"I was referring to God, I was referring to friends and people who believe in you even in the most turbulent times. It you’re President of the Republic and you do something good for the country, people will cheer and support you and God will be with you," he explained.

The defense chief had a heart-to-heart talk with Mrs. Arroyo in Malacañang before he went to his press conference in Camp Aguinaldo to announce his resignation.

Reyes quickly dispelled speculations that his departure from the Arroyo Cabinet would weaken the administration.

"The administration is strong. Nobody is indispensable," Reyes said.

When ribbed by reporters to disclose what the President had told him during their meeting, Reyes crooned "Goodbye. I hate to see you go," lyrics of a popular old song.

Mrs. Arroyo admitted that singing was indeed one of the favorite activities of her Cabinet members.

"He (Reyes) would sing at a drop of a hat," the President told Palace reporters.

Reyes said he was relieved and happy that he could now spend more time with his wife, Tess, and family, including his 93-year-old mother.

He disclosed that it was to his mother to whom he first confided his decision to quit government service.

"I told her everything would be alright. And she said, ‘I’m sure’," Reyes said.

"You know in God’s infinite wisdom and kindness, He saw to it that we all have mothers," Reyes said, his voice quivering again.