Saludo recycled as deputy spokesman

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo has designated Ricardo Saludo, who failed to get confirmation as civil service chief, as her new deputy spokesperson.

 Malacañang announced yesterday.

Saludo, one of the President’s most trusted men in the Cabinet, was chosen for his solid credentials, said deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar.

Saludo will help address questions regarding Mrs. Arroyo’s governance and related issues.

His appointment at the CSC was rejected by the Commission on Appointments (CA) after he infuriated lawmakers with his disparaging comments and seeming disregard for them.

Known for his sharp tongue, Saludo was transferred to the National Reconstruction Commission as secretariat head.

Since the death last Tuesday of Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, the Palace has been hard-pressed to appoint officials to fill the void.

Remonde died of heart attack at the age of 51.

Mrs. Arroyo last week appointed veteran newsman Crispulo Icban Jr. to replace Remonde.

The President seemed bent on fulfilling her promise last year to be “an easier subject to cover,” meeting various local and foreign media groups over lunch or dinner at the Palace.

Olivar added they are anticipating heightened attacks against the administration when the campaign season starts in February.

He said Saludo’s appointment was necessary because Icban apparently prefers to work behind the scenes.

“I think the President is really incumbent to bring in someone like Secretary Saludo, who has the experience from his long years in government to focus on broad issues of governance in the government as well as assisting with exposition in the economy given his previous career in business journalism outside the country,” he said.

Olivar appealed to reporters to give Saludo the support he deserves despite negative perceptions of him.

“I’m not aware that there were or are any issues involving Secretary Saludo that cannot be overcome with enough goodwill on both ends and common dedication to what we’re trying to achieve here,” he said.

Olivar said there is a need for an additional spokesman because of the expected wave of attacks against the administration and Mrs. Arroyo cannot spend much of her time facing journalists.

“The problem with having to face a concerted campaign of innuendoes and criticisms from the opposition is that you have to put up a likewise strong organization to speak for you,” he said.

“So it’s only appropriate that we have spokespersons who could explain the different achievements of the President as well as give ample answers to the apparently nonstop vilification of the President,” he said.