Candidate for next press secretary? DOTr Usec. Chavez says he was 'informed' about it

Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez on Wednesday said he was "informed" that he was among those being considered to be the next press secretary following the resignation of Trixie Cruz-Angeles.

“I was already told a few days ago, I’m being considered,” Chavez told Palace reporters.

Asked who told him that he was being considered, Chavez refused to identify the “authorized” individual.

“Mas mabuting huwag ko munang sabihin kung sino ang nagsabi sa akin but authorized person,” he said.

(It would be better if I don't identify who informed me, but authorized person.)

Asked if he is considering accepting the post, he said: “Binanggit ko na ang concentration ko ay rail sector. Sinabi ko na hindi ako interested sa press office ng Malacañang.”

(I mentioned that my concentration is the rail sector. I said I am not interested in the press office of Malacañang.)

Still, Chavez said he is still thinking about it.

“Kasama ko sa Marcos administration. I am a presidential appointee. Binanggit ko ay bigyan ako ng pagkakataon na i-process ang alok na ito and at the same time if there’s a chance, discuss ano ang puwedeng gawin,” he said.

([The offer was conveyed through] someone from the Marcos administration. I am a presidential appointee. I asked for the opportunity to process this offer and at the same time if there's a chance, discuss what could be done.)

In an interview on ANC on Wednesday, Chavez also said he is "thinking about it (press secretary post) and I'm discussing it with my family."

"I'm surprised that I'm actually on the list. There are more [who are more] qualified for that position. I expressed no interest in that position," Chavez said.

Still, Chavez said he believes he "can be of more service to the country if I focus on the railway sector."

Chavez is currently the Undersecretary for Railways of the Department of Transportation.

He also disclosed that Mike Toledo and Gilbert Remulla were being considered for the post.

Toledo served as spokesman of former President Joseph Estrada. He is the head of the government relations and public affairs department of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.

Remulla, on the other hand, is a member of the board of directors of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

On Tuesday, Malacañang announced Cruz-Angeles' resignation as press secretary.

In a message to reporters, Cruz-Angeles said she stepped down from her post due to health reasons.

She said her resignation is effective "end of business hours" Tuesday.  —KBK/KG, GMA News