Remonde takes over PMS

Secretary Cerge Remonde, former Government Mass Media Group (GMMG) head, formally assumed the top post of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) yesterday.

He took over from Arthur Yap, who was reappointed as agriculture secretary.

Apart from PMS director general, Remonde was also designated as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises czar by President Arroyo.

Prior to his latest appointment, Remonde was the lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).

Remonde’s transfer to the PMS was part of the reshuffle Mrs. Arroyo began last month in her official family that also led to the abolition of the GMMG.

The GMMG comprised state-owned radio and television stations, as well as the Philippine News Agency and the Bureau of Communications Services.

These agencies were transferred to the office of Secretary Conrado Limcaoco, Philippine Information Agency director general.

Yap’s predecessor was Domingo Panganiban, who was moved to the NAPC. — Paolo Romero