FPJ’s media team formed

Presidential aspirant Fernando Poe Jr. has tapped former press secretary Rod Reyes to head his media bureau and map out his campaign strategy.

Reyes was briefly the press secretary of Poe’s bosom buddy, former President Joseph Estrada, and is a veteran print and broadcast journalist.

Reyes said the media bureau will include former television news director Benjie Guevarra, senatorial aide Bryan Yamsuan, former newspaper editor and former Philippine News Agency (PNA) chief Jorge Reyes, former Presidential News Desk assistant head Merlinda Manalo, and former presidential appointments official Peter Sing.

"I am helping out," Reyes said. "I divide my own team composed of (Estrada’s) media bureau. They worked with me during President Estrada’s time," Reyes said.

Reyes said he is recruiting other former media practitioners to help him boost Poe’s image during the campaign.

"We are adding some (more) and we will work some new approach for Mr. Poe to dispel the notion that he is inaccessible to the media and the people. We will make him accessible to the media," he said.

Reyes said that aside from his media group, there are other groups that are helping in Poe’s campaign preparations.

"We are coordinating our efforts. Mr. Poe has so many friends. We are trying to get an office somewhere in EDSA. We are really trying to get organized for the campaign," he added. — Jose Rodel Clapano