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Ambassador Bobi Tiglao

Rigoberto Tiglao, head of the Presidential Management Staff and one of Gloria Arroyo’s trusted advisers, will be appointed ambassador to Greece.

Tiglao’s nomination was supposed to have been signed yesterday, a highly reliable source said. It will be submitted for confirmation to the Commission on Appointments, which is expected to be convened when Congress resumes session on Nov. 7.

The Department of Foreign Affairs next week will ask Greece for its agreement to the nomination of Tiglao, who will replace Lourdes Morales, who will be sent to Cambodia.

Tiglao’s foreign assignment has surprised even some members of Arroyo’s inner circle and has led to speculations on why he has opted to be away at a time when Arroyo’s hold on the presidency is precarious.

The political opposition is stepping up efforts for the ouster of Arroyo, who has been accused of cheating in the 2004 elections. The court martial of Brig. Gen. Francisco Gudani and Lt. Col. Alexander Balutan for testifying before the Senate on the use of military personnel to cheat in favor of Arroyo in the 2004 elections has sharpened the restiveness among young military officers who refuse to be used to protect a discredited president.

One source said Tiglao is “running away.” Another source said the ambassadorial post is Arroyo’s reward for Tiglao who had been loyal to her throughout the crisis. In the aftermath of the Hyatt 10’s resignation, Tiglao, together with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Environment Secretary Mike Defensor, took the offensive against their former colleagues, accusing them of betrayal of trust.

Tiglao’s staunch support of Arroyo, who is increasingly becoming despotic as her support base thins out, has puzzled many who know his background in the militant left. He was in detention for two years during the Marcos’ martial law.

A respected journalist, Tiglao is considered Arroyo’s “think tank.” He is credited to be behind the concept of the “Strong Republic” vision, which has become a laughing stock in Arroyo’s tottering presidency.

The main function of the PMS, which he heads, is to provide the President and the executive secretary timely, reliable, accurate and comprehensive information for use in presidential decision-making.

Tiglao had held other positions of trust for Arroyo. In 2003, he was named chief of staff, a powerful position created under Administrative Order 62 which made him the “gatekeeper” in the Office of the President.

He created the Transparency Group that undertook lifestyle checks of government officials. It was supposed to address the issue of corruption in government but TG did not investigate members of the presidential family and friends of Mike Arroyo, who have been involved in a number of questionable transactions.

Tiglao first joined the Arroyo administration as spokesman. He took charge of the Office of Communications Director when Silvestre Afable resigned last July. It was reported last week that a new media office, the Presidential Communications Group, is being set up, which will make Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye the media czar.

There are also reports of Budget Secretary Romulo Neri going back to National Economic and Development Authority and Rep. Rolando Andaya joining the cabinet as budget secretary.

Former Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap will be named Land Bank president. Since Gary Teves became finance secretary, Gilda Pico has been acting president of the government bank.

These changes, including Tiglao’s post in Greece, would most probably take place next year. If Arroyo is still in Malacañang.

Published inForeign AffairsMalayaWeb Links

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