Andanar confirms Duterte will have new spokesman

  

           by Kristine Dela Cruz via RH News

DAVAO CITY - Atty. Salvador Panelo is no longer the spokesperson of president-elect Rodrigo Duterte, but will still be given a position in his administration.

Incoming Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) Chief Martin Andanar confirmed that Panelo will be replaced by former pastor, Ernesto Abella.

According to Andanar, Abella will be the presidential spokesperson, clarifying that there will be no press secretary under the Duterte administration.

Andanar added that Duterte’s plan since day one was for Panelo to be his temporary spokesperson.
Panelo’s appointment has been opposed by different media organizations because he represents the Ampatuan family, accused in the Maguindanao massacre.

Duterte played a great role in Abella’s life because it was the mayor who negotiated for the release of the former pastor when he was kidnapped in 1996.