Another broadcaster joins government

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN news reporter Maricar Bautista has reportedly joined the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor)’s Corporate Communications Department.

Reports said Bautista and Henry Reyes, former assistant managing head of Pagcor’s Slot Machines Department, would handle the Corporate Communications and Services Department, a division previously headed by former Pagcor spokesman Edward King.

Her colleague, ABS-CBN news reporter Nina Corpuz, in her Twitter account, confirmed Bautista’s transfer to Pagcor last week.

“Newsroom peeps get a farewell photo with Maricar Bautista. After about 15 yrs in ABS, she moves to Pagcor startng Monday,” Corpuz said.

Reyes had said the Aquino administration is set to replace the entire membership of the state-run gaming agency’s board of directors as part of its reform thrusts.

Aside from Bautista, former television news host Ricky Carandang and talk show host Manuel Quezon III have also joined Mr. Aquino’s Presidential Communications Group in Malacañang.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said over the weekend another media person might soon join Malacañang’s public information machinery as part of the President’s group of spokespersons.