Reyes refuses envoy post

The man loves his job.

Interior Secretary Angelo Reyes declined an offer from President Arroyo to appoint him as ambassador to the United States because he would rather stay in his present post and possibly run for political office next year.

At the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) forum Tuesday night at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Makati City, Reyes also disclosed that he remains unattached to the administration party, despite having been one of the staunch defenders of the Arroyo administration.

"The matter of being offered (the ambassadorial post) is a matter of privileged communication (between the President and myself) so I cannot divulge that. Second, I’m enjoying what I’m doing, making my own modest contributions. I like the people I’m working with," Reyes told the jam-packed MOPC forum.

"Having said that, I’d rather stay here. I’m enjoying my job. I have my detractors, but I had to do it and have to do my job well," he said.

"Now, on the matter of me wanting to run in 2007, I don’t know. Some people want me to run and some people don’t want me to run, so I cannot stop them," Reyes said when asked to confirm reports that he would seek an elective post in the 2007 elections.

Earlier reports said Reyes was being sent as ambassador to Washington and was among those under consideration to replace him is Antipolo City Rep. Ronaldo Puno, a staunch ally of Mrs. Arroyo. — Paolo Romero