The Philippine Online Chronicles

Newly appointed Press Secretary Crispulo Icban Jr. on Wednesday said that he is to take on the responsibilities of his late predecessor Cerge Remonde, although "reluctantly."

In an informal chat with the reporters who saw him drop by the office of Press Undersecretary Romeo Junia, Icban said that when he “was first asked to do this, I said ‘I’m too old for that,’” and expressed comfort in being behind a news desk.

The 74-year-old is to assume the position on Monday after the nine-day mourning period for Remonde, who died of cardiac arrest last week. The Manila Bulletin editor-in-chief will file a leave of absence in order to undertake his five-month term.

After serving in the post, Icban promised fellow newsmen, he “will be with [them] again.”

He said that Wednesday is his turn to facilitate press briefings after the regular Cabinet meeting every Tuesday. The rest of the week will be allocated among the three Palace spokespersons: Gary Olivar, Charito Planas, and Ricardo Saludo.

“They think I have the credentials. I have credentials for newspapering and editorship, not for press officership. That’s why I have to make adjustments and see what I can do,” Inquirer quoted him as saying.

Icban maintained that although he will be Press Secretary, he cannot take it upon himself to boost the low popularity ratings of Arroyo. According to him, his task is not to alter the results of the past but to do what he can within the time given him.

“I have no plan to do anything about that. . . The task will take care of itself. Ultimately, history will have to judge the President,” he said.

When initially offered the post, Icban admitted he thought it would be hard on him because of his age, but he could not refuse Arroyo, a fellow Kapampangan, who was reported to have personally asked him to become the acting press secretary during the induction of officers and directors of the Capmapangans in Media, Inc.

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