Marcos Spokesman Vic Rodriguez Nominated as Executive Secretary

Presumptive president Bongbong Marcos' spokesperson Vic Rodriguez has been nominated for the position of Executive Secretary of the next administration, his office said on Sunday.

Rodriguez, a lawyer by profession who also serves as Marcos' chief of staff, has accepted the position as he relinquished his post as spokesperson to prepare for his new task, according to a statement issued by the presumptive president's team.

READ: EXPLAINER: Salary, Privileges of the Philippine President

“Who can say no to President-elect Bongbong Marcos? It is an honor working with him, whom I have known for a very long time and I believe will serve the country efficiently and with unquestioned devotion. It is very flattering to work alongside the best person I’ve known,” Rodriguez said.

“I thanked President-elect Bongbong Marcos for the trust and confidence. Rest assured that our team will work doubly hard for the success of his six-year presidency,” he added.

As executive secretary, Rodriguez will be tasked to directly assist the incoming president in managing the affairs of the government. He may also sign papers "by authority of the president" and attest orders and other presidential issuances, according to the Administrative Code of the Philippines.

Rodriguez is a law graduate at the University of Sto. Tomas and has executive education at the National University of Singapore Negotiation and Influence Program.

He also served as Deputy General Counsel of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

Apart from Rodriguez, also set to become part of the incoming administration's Cabinet are presumptive vice president Sara Duterte-Carpio as education secretary and Benhur Abalos as interior secretary.

ALSO READ:

The Powers of the Philippine President, Explained

From President-Elect to Inauguration, How the Winner Assumes Power