MANILA, Philippines— As Bernadette Romulo-Puyat steps in as the new Tourism secretary, she said she is also eyeing a new spokesperson for the department.
In a press briefing, Puyat reiterated that she would retain Benito “Bong” Bengzon Jr, an undersecretary for the tourism development planning sector, in his post but also, made him an offer to be her spokesman.
READ: Aquino admin Tourism exec offered DOT post, new chief says
“The same with Bong Bengzon, though he is career [official], [even if he were] not career, I would have retained him,” Puyat said in a press briefing, adding that Bengzon’s years of service in the agency is a great factor.
Puyat however shared that when she offered the spokesman post to Bengzon he was hesitant.
“So I was a little hurt because I know he used to be a spokesperson for Secretary [Ramon] Jimenez,” Puyat said in Filipino.
Puyat said she is still convincing Bengzon to take her offer but she also said “he has no choice.”
Asked why he chose Bengzon, Puyat said Bengzon “has been in the department forever.”
“He knows the department inside and out,” Puyat said.
“The reason why I chose him is because of his experience, nothing else. Nothing like I don’t like the previous spokesman but I just feel that the spokesperson should have had experience,” Puyat said.
The DOT chief stressed that she believes a spokesperson “should be the most senior.”
On Tuesday, Puyat ordered the department's undersecretaries and assistant secretaries to submit their courtesy resignations to President Rodrigo Duterte. She clarified that the courtesy resignation means that they will be removed from office.
The concerned officials have been given until May 21 to comply with the memorandum.
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