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Manila: A former journalist-turned presidential adviser on the peace process has been appointed by President Gloria Arroyo as her new press secretary.
Jesus G. Dureza had gained wide experience as a journalist for national dailies and had spent years as adviser on the peace process with Moro and communist rebels before he was appointed press secretary replacing Ignacio Bunye - who was in turn named as chairman of the monetary board starting July 3.
Dureza, who will assume his new post on June 16, will be replaced as the President's adviser on the Mindanao peace process by recently retired Armed Forces Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
Dureza thanked Arroyo "for the honour and privilege of serving her and the country as press secretary" and said that he considers his appointment as a "progression of my work and commitment for peace and development, this time perhaps with a bigger, wider platform."
A lawyer, the incoming press secretary also served as official spokesman of then President Fidel V. Ramos for two years and as spokesman of the House of Representatives for five years.
Insider preferred
Bunye earlier revealed that he had recommended to the President palace "insiders" to fill the post of press secretary to shorten the learning curve.
Esperon, who officially bowed down from military service last week, accepted his new appointment "without batting an eyelash."
Esperon's mandatory service retirement had been delayed by Arroyo due to concerns over government stability.
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