Duterte looking for a new Palace spokesperson

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte said he is looking for a new spokesperson who will replace Salvado Panelo.

In an interview with reporters Thursday night, Duterte revealed that Panelo, who is also the chief presidential legal counsel, will not be his permanent mouthpiece.

Related Stories Panelo returns as Duterte spokesman

“I don’t think he (Panelo) will transition himself to a spokesman. Maybe in the meantime that I’m considering other names,” the president said.

Duterte said he wanted his potential spokesperson to be someone from the media.

“I am scouting for… preferably from the media community. Sanay eh. They would know how to respond to questions,” he said.

Panelo replaced Harry Roque Jr. as the presidential spokesperson after the latter decided to run in the 2019 midterm polls.

In 2016, Panelo served as Duterte’s spokesperson before he was replaced by former pastor Ernesto Abella. — Gaea Katreena Cabico