Libanan is next BI chief?

Outgoing Eastern Samar Rep. Marcelino Libanan is being groomed to be the next Bureau of Immigration (BI) commissioner as Immigration chief Alipio Fernandez is set to run for mayor of Dagupan City, a top administration official said yesterday.

Fernandez, a former mayor of Dagupan, confirmed this to The STAR and revealed that he will be both resigning and filing his certificate of candidacy on Thursday, March 29.

He also said he heard that Libanan is being considered as his replacement.

Meantime, National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales revealed yesterday that he has decided to abandon his plan to run as congressman in the second district of Bataan.

Gonzales, the chairperson of Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas, told supporters in Mariveles on Sunday that he made up his mind to stay in the Cabinet after his talk with President Arroyo Friday night.

"I appeal to your understanding but I did my best to convince the President (to allow me to run) but she really would not allow me," Gonzales said.

He visited Balanga and Abucay Sunday afternoon to inform his relatives and teammates of his decision.

The national security chief also said he had been warned by police officials and other friends in the government that New People’s Army snipers will certainly try to assassinate him once he started campaigning.

The official said Mrs. Arroyo has already decided that Libanan, who is now secretary general of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, will replace Fernandez.

Libanan was supposed to have been appointed as Solicitor General last month following the vacancy left by Antonio Nachura, who was named Supreme Court justice.

The post of Solicitor General however went to Agnes Devanadera, former head the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel.

Libanan is vice chair of the Commission of Appointments. – Paolo Romero