Braganza sees no turf war with his predecessor Rufino

President Arroyo’s newly appointed adviser on political affairs, Hernani Braganza, said he sees no turf war between him and Joey Rufino, who is now reportedly disgruntled for losing his post to Braganza.

"There will be no turf war between me and Joey because we will be holding two different and distinct posts," said Braganza, who took his oath of office yesterday.

Mrs. Arroyo also swore in Milton Alingod as her new press secretary, Braganza’s former post.

Rufino, who until last week was known as Mrs. Arroyo’s presidential adviser on political affairs, is now the presidential liaison for political affairs.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the post of presidential political affairs adviser had actually been vacant and that Rufino was never appointed to the post.

All this time Rufino was the presidential liaison for political affairs, Bunye said.

Braganza said their job is to take care of matters concerning the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats ruling party, solving party squabbles, and serve as the President’s go-between with party members.

Braganza is Lakas’ vice president for youth and deputy secretary general while Rufino is the executive director of the party’s national executive committee.

Rufino, who earlier predicted smooth working relations with Braganza, said their Malacañang jobs were no different.

"You cannot have two drivers driving the same car," he earlier told The STAR after learning that Braganza, who was earlier reported to be willing to be Rufino’s deputy, would be getting his job.

When asked about his reported resignation, Rufino told a radio interview: "We will see after (Braganza) and I talk today." Rufino was not at Braganza’s oath-taking.

Just days ago Rufino said he was willing to share his post with Braganza after learning that the latter wanted to be Mrs. Arroyo’s political adviser.

"I’ve worked with him well in the past. I welcome that. He’s a friend of mine," Rufino said.

It was a turf war with presidential chief of staff Rigoberto Tiglao that prompted Braganza to quit on April 23 shortly after his appointment as press secretary.

Mrs. Arroyo, however, refused to accept his resignation and told Braganza to go on medical leave instead and that he would be given a different post.

Then press undersecretary Alingod took over Braganza’s post in an acting capacity.