New PLLO chief named

Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Joaquin Lagonera was appointed as the new head of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO), sources said yesterday.

Lagonera, however, refused to confirm the report but said: "Let’s just wait (for the announcement). It may come at the end of the month."

Lagonera is expected to replace Undersecretary Catherine Bello, whose work has reportedly been affected by intrigues and politicking by other PLLO officials aspiring for the post.

"There are some undersecretaries or assistant secretaries who are supposed to be under Cathy (Bello) but they have been spending more time here in Malacañang and gaining the confidence of Gabby," a senior Palace official said, referring to Presidential Political Affairs Adviser Gabriel Claudio.

Claudio used to hold two positions — presidential adviser and PLLO chief — but relinquished the latter late last year.

Neither Bello nor Claudio could be reached for comment. — Paolo Romero