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Andanar vouches for successor’s competence

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

May 28, 2022, 6:45 pm

<p>Communications Secretary Martin Andanar <em>(File photo)</em></p>

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar (File photo)

MANILA – Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said his successor, lawyer Rose Beatrix "Trixie" Cruz-Angeles, is perfect for the job.

Andanar sees Angeles, also a radio commentator, overcoming all the challenges that would come her way as she leads the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) for the next six years.

"Si Atty. Trixie Angeles ay (is) very able," he said in an interview with One Balita Pilipinas on Friday. "Kung anuman 'yung mga krisis na pagdadaanan niya, kung anuman 'yung puwedeng mangyari sa communication ay kaya niya itong gampanan, kayang solusyonan (She could fulfill her duty and offer solutions, whatever crisis she would experience along the way)."

Andanar said he is also willing to assist Angeles if she asks for his advice.

"Kung meron siyang mga gustong itanong, kung meron siyang gustong ihinging mga advice, bukas naman ang ating telepono para tulungan (If she wants to ask me anything or seek my advice, she could call me and I am willing to assist her)," he said.

Andanar earlier instructed the transition team of the PCOO to ensure the proper turnover of power to the incoming Press Secretary prior to meeting Angeles "very soon".

Projects

He expressed optimism that Angeles would adopt his reform initiatives to improve the services of the state media and hopes that she would support his projects, including the setting up of media hubs in Mindanao and Visayas and the Government Communications Academy.

Andanar likewise encouraged Angeles to continue his legacy of communications campaign to raise public awareness about the accomplishments of the next administration.

"Very important ito para malaman ng ating mga kababayan kung ano 'yung mga nagawa ng isang pangulo. So, hopefully, sa isang Marcos admin ay ipagpatuloy din nila itong legacy campaign (It's very important so our countrymen will know the president's accomplishments. So, hopefully, our legacy campaign will continue under the Marcos administration)," he said.

Future plans

Andanar will take a two-month respite after his term ends in June to make up for lost time with family.

"Meron akong isa o dalawang buwan na walang gagawin. Aatupagin ko lang ang aking pamilya at kung anuman ‘yung mga bagay na hindi ko nagawa (I will rest for one or two months. I will spend some time with my family and do the things I could not do) while in office for six years," he said.

He would rejoin private media after his break and be “back to what I do best, which is basically to be in the media.”

In October last year, Andanar expressed confidence that he will return as a "wiser" private media personality because of his experience and knowledge in initiating reforms in the state media.

He paid a visit to officials and former colleagues at the TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong City on March 22.

Andanar was appointed as PCOO chief in 2016 and as acting presidential spokesperson in March 2022.

Prior to his appointment, he served as a television news anchor, radio commentator, podcaster, video and audio blogger, and voice-over artist.

Andanar also headed the News5 Everywhere, the online news video and audio portal of TV5. (PNA)


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