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Friday, March 29, 2024

A pressing engagement

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The job of Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson is arguably the most difficult job in government. I know this may raise harsh opprobrium from former colleagues and friends in government, but at the risk of being branded a solipsist, I stand firm by my statement .

Imagine this: the Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson must deal with all stakeholders, especially the media, round-the-clock, 24/7. Add to this the need to engage, incessantly I emphasize, with “New Media”.  With the advent of technology and the dizzying pace of digital transformation, and you can see how helter-skelter the situation might become. Remember that, in this day and age, anyone with a smartphone can become a “ journalist”, but without the corresponding accountabilities. 

With Press Secretary and Presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar (fourth from left),  Jun Icban ( PGMA) Atty Mike Toledo (PJEE now Mayor Erap) ,Sonny Coloma ( PNoy) , Sen Kit Tatad, ( Marcos) , Justice Adolf Ascuna, ( Pres Cory), Cong. Toting Bunye ( PGMA), Postmaster Gen Hector Villanueva ( FVR)

A Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson  must consistently engage for the simple reason that it is his or her primordial duty to do so. He or she must articulate, explain, and shed light on the President’s and the administration’s pronouncements, policies, and programs. He or she must explain and coherently present to the public the President’s position on matters of vital interest and importance to the nation. 

Direct access to the President is crucial. Its importance cannot be overemphasized enough. But I’m glad to share that I never had that problem. I had direct access to then President Estrada at all times.

 A gift from Sec. Andanar, a pillow with the seal of the Palace

Secondly, if you don’t make yourself available to your stakeholders, you can be the subject of the media’s ire. Meanwhile, over in social media, whatever you say or not say will have its fair share of rabid supporters and equally harsh and unforgiving critics. One must have the fortitude to meet all these and yet retain one’s sanity, poise , and decorum. And you do all these under the glare of the public light. Like a fish in a glass bowl in the middle of a kindergarten classroom. Need I say more?

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Thus, the reunion  called for by our dear friend and former Kapatid  TV 5 Anchor, current Press Secretary Martin Andanar, was timely. It allowed us to share with him the wealth of our combined experience spanning 6 Philippine Presidents. Secretary Andanar, the gracious host, was all ears. Clearly, a strong believer in the adage that listening begets knowledge and knowledge begets wisdom.

With Phil Star’s Ichu Villanueva, Deedee Sytangco, Sonny Coloma, Press Sec. Martin Andanar, Francisco Tatad , Adolf Azcuna, Cong. Toting Bunye  (partially hidden), Jun Icban and Hector Villanueva

In my view, however, Secretary Andanar faces a more challenging task, not so much because of the inimitable style of his principal ( indeed, change is here) but more so because of the fact that he must face the reality of “ post-truth” politics.  This has been defined as a reliance on assertions that “ feel true” but have no basis in fact.  There is a plethora of evidence here and abroad of its practice.

Press Secretary and Presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar (fifth from left) with his predecessors (from left) Undersecretary Deedee Sytangco (Cory Aquino), Jun Icban (GloriaArroyo), Mike Toledo (Joseph Estrada) , Sonny Coloma (Benigno Aquino III) , Francisco Tatad (Marcos), Adolf Azcuna (Cory Aquino), Toting Bunye (Arroyo) and Hector Villanueva (Ramos)

A daunting task, indeed. But I’m confident Secretary Andanar is up to task. The wisdom and experience imparted to the office by Press Secretaries and Presidential Spokespersons of Presidents past, has ensured that he will.

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