Icban takes oath

MANILA, Philippines - Newly appointed Press Secretary Crispulo Icban Jr. was sworn into office yesterday and vowed to have a stress-free stint in the last few months of the Arroyo administration.

Speaking with Palace reporters shortly after he took his oath of office before President Arroyo, Icban admitted that he needed to keep his health in check because of his age and some ailments he suffered a few years back.

At 74, Icban noted that he was way past retirement age but his dedication and love for journalism kept him working every day for the past 56 years.

Icban took over from Cerge Remonde who passed away last Jan. 19.

Remonde suffered a heart attack and his doctor said this was due to several factors, including stress.

Icban noted that he and Remonde were friends and cited the work ethic of his predecessor during his stint as press secretary.

Aside from facing the media for interviews and press briefings on a daily basis, Remonde also had to accompany the President during her hectic domestic and international sorties.

Icban admitted that he could not take too much stress, particularly on his heart, after undergoing angioplasty to free up a blocked artery in 2004.

He also suffered from a slipped disc in 2000, which he said caused him a lot of pain.

Just like many people his age, Icban takes eight different kinds of maintenance medicine.

He said his cholesterol level has gone down significantly.

Unlike his predecessors, Icban would be more of a behind the scenes guy, content with playing a supporting role to the deputy presidential spokespersons who have been at Malacañang longer.

“I guess I would just do a lot of smiling for the meantime. Relax and don’t take it (job) too much to heart,” Icban said in jest.

“Maybe later when I know more about what’s happening, I can help,” he added.

He said his role would mainly be a facilitator for the media, particularly in these last few months of the administration when the President would be presenting her legacy to the people.

Icban has been in the newspaper business for five decades, starting out with the Manila Times under Chino Roces and then with the Manila Bulletin.

He is the editor-in-chief of the Manila Bulletin but was allowed to go on leave to take on the job offered to him by the President.

Mrs. Arroyo and Icban both come from the province of Pampanga, the latter being chairman of the Kapampangan in Media Inc.