MANILA – Following the resignation of Communications Assistant Secretary Esther Margaux “Mocha” Uson, her former boss wished her well saying he is still one with her to support President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
“Mocha is still a diehard Duterte supporter and I am one with her in that aspect. I wish her well,” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement sent to media.
Earlier this month, Andanar said he does not have the power to discipline her "because she is a presidential appointee."
"The power is lodged with the Office of the President," Andanar said in a hearing at the House of Representatives.
Andanar made this remark after several PCOO officials and even Sen. Aquilino “Kiko” Pimentel III urged Uson to step down or take a leave.
In a chance interview with reporters, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also wished Uson well, hopeful that the PCOO will continue its mandate to communicate good news worldwide.
“I wish her the best. I will miss her but she did make it clear na ipagpapatuloy po ang advocacy. Lagot po sila lahat kay Mocha Uson (that she will continue her advocacy. They better watch out for Mocha Uson),” Roque said.
Uson announced her resignation during a Senate hearing on PCOO’s budget, stressing that the Congress was purposely delaying the agency’s deliberations because of her.
She opted to step down as a “sacrifice” to allow the passage of the PCOO’s budget.
Uson drew flak for posting a video on her personal blog showing Drew Olivar, her co-host in Good News Game Show, singing and dancing while making vulgar gestures to raise federalism awareness.
She was further criticized for releasing another video mocking sign language but has apologized for her mistake.
Uson, a blogger and entertainer, was appointed as PCOO Assistant Secretary in May 2017. (PNA)
