FPJ daughter to MTRCB? Cory honor guards may join PSG

MANILA, Philippines - President-elect Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III clarified yesterday that there was no decision yet on whether the daughter of the late actor Fernando Poe Jr. would be appointed to head the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

He said he had not yet discussed whether Grace Poe-Llamanzares could join his administration because he was still focused on filling up the 25 Cabinet positions.

There are also speculations that Radio Mindanao Network president Eric Canoy is being tapped to be press secretary. Outgoing Makati City Rep. Teddy Boy Locsin is also reportedly a candidate for the same position.

Aquino said he would make the proper announcements before his inauguration on June 30 and that it would be best to wait rather than believe the various names being floated.

Meanwhile, the four honor guards that gained fame after standing for hours beside the casket of the late President Corazon Aquino during the funeral of the former chief executive are being considered to be part of the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

Sources said an official of the president-elect contacted the four honor guards - Police Officer 2 Danilo Malab Jr., Army Pfc. Antonio Cadiente, Airman Second Class Gener Laguindan, and Navy Petty Officer 3 Edgardo Rodriguez - and asked them to prepare their resumé because they are being considered to be part of the PSG.

Malab told The STAR that there is no certainty yet if they would join the PSG to secure the younger Aquino. He said they would be honored to serve the incoming president.

Malab, Cadiente, Laguindan, and Rodriguez received praise and commendations for showing self-discipline and dedication to duty last Aug. 5 as honor guards by the casket of the late president, standing for over eight hours during the long funeral parade from the Manila Cathedral in Manila to the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. The late leader died of colon cancer on Aug. 1 last year.

The Aquino family and the Makati Business Club were among the donors that gave financial assistance to the four honor guards in appreciation of their service.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa granted Malab a special promotion for his extraordinary discipline that made the entire PNP proud.

Malab said being part of the last moments of the late President Aquino was one of his most memorable experiences and the ensuing recognition was too much.

Malab said he would do the same task if he has to in the future because it was part of his sworn duty as a police officer and servant of the people even without promotion, recognition, or monetary reward.   – With Cecille Suerte Felipe