Cabinet secretaries are not created equal

"TAMPO-ROROT” – I believe the term is a combination of two words: “Tampo” which is to sulk and “Torotot” or a trumpet. My mom used that term to describe people who would publicly sulk to express their annoyance or anger for being left out, ignored or when their opinion has been overlooked or just about anyone who sulks publicly. I remembered the term after learning that Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque decided to spend the past weekend to reflect on his current position and if he should stay or move on.

I can understand how embarrassed Harry Roque may have felt saying the President is all good and healthy only to be told by reporters that PRRD had actually gone into a local hospital for a check-up. At the very least he should have been given a heads up unless of course the President’s inner circle felt it was a matter that was “On a need to know basis” and at that time, given the medical nature, Roque was not someone who needed to know. That of course is all water under the bridge and instead of feeling left out or embarrassed by the incident, people like Roque and other executives out there should learn from the incident.

It may have been a rude awakening but let it be a humbling realization that Cabinet Secretaries are not created equal. While Roque may have been or remains to be the ideal spokesperson for this administration that does not automatically put him in the most trusted circle or inner circle of people that Rodrigo Duterte can rely upon blindly. I have known rich and powerful men who don’t trust their own siblings, won’t allow their own flesh and blood, sons and daughters to enter that circle of engagement. It is reserved for those who have risked their personal fortunes, comfort and safety serving the interest of the President or for executives; their Boss. Some enter that circle of trust because they are willing to risk all, defend the faith, are at a higher and more seasoned level of mental and emotional maturity. In some cases it also depends on what sins you are willing to commit and not be bothered by them.

We will all experience being outside the circle and it will embarrass us, upset us but hopefully people will also realize as I have in times past, that sometimes we were kept outside the circle for our own good, for our own protection or simply because we should not be involved. It may be that PRRD’s inner circle did not mean to exclude Roque, or perhaps GOD had caused such an event for him to reflect on his position, his job description and options. “Tampo-rorot” or not, it is important to bear in mind that as “Spokesman” the job limits you to say what the source wants communicated. The problem with the modern day set up of Roque’s office is that it is subject to pressure and badgering to produce quotable quotes or interpretations. That’s not the job. The job is to inform the public what’s going on, what’s been said, what’s the President’s agenda. No emotion, no drama, and as apolitical as possible. No one can hang Roque for not knowing. Haters will hate on him, but he cannot and should not even try to control or manage something that is above his pay grade.

As for spending time to reflect on his plans and position, Roque should now man up and come to terms with the Bible lesson: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21) I have seen Roque strategically positioning himself towards numerous high visibility positions and the general impression is that all of it is in order for him to one day become Senator. That’s all well and good especially if your heart and mind compliment each other towards becoming a benevolent and wise legislator. But as many as the plans as he may have, if GOD does not want it to be, it won’t come to pass. Perhaps it is good that Roque has decided to reflect on matters. Better still if he waits on the Lord instead of walking ahead of him. Harry knows what that means.

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First we hear Mocha Uson resigning in order to save the budget of the Presidential Communications Operations Office or PCOO. Then we hear that Secretary Harry Roque is seriously thinking about his options to stay or move out of Malacañang. Then we hear Senators “suggesting” that the PCOO be reverted into its original form of Office of the Press Secretary. Has someone successfully staged a coup d‘etat without anybody knowing about it?

Whether you like him or not, it is an undeniable fact that half of Secretary Martin Andanar’s problem with running the PCOO has to do with political appointees placed there by President Duterte and other cabinet members. No one raised an eyebrow but giving Harry Roque the rank of cabinet secretary alongside secretary Andanar was tantamount to splitting the house of communications into two. While President Duterte recognized Andanar’s unsolicited support during the campaign, Andanar has never been entrusted with full control of the PCOO both administratively and politically. There was always someone doing the talking and getting the limelight. Andanar unfortunately still needs loads of executive skills and down to earth PR skills to get the job done. He can certainly bring in an army of experts to fast track things but President Duterte should first decide if he will let Andanar do his job and trust him enough or simply close down the PCOO and start all over. Like any executive review it will all be based on purpose and then intent.

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