Duterte appoints closest aide, broadcaster to Palace posts

MANILA, Philippines — President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday night announced the appointment of his closest aide and a TV5 broadcaster to head two Malacañang offices.

Broadcast personality Martin Andanar was appointed to head the Presidential Communications and Operations Office, replacing Herminio Coloma Jr.

In an interview over Radio Singko on Friday morning, Andanar vowed that he will make significant changes in communications offices belonging to the government such as the Philippine Information Agency.

Andanar is married to Alelee Aguilar, daughter of longtime Las Piñas Mayor Nene Aguilar. The older Aguilar is a brother-in-law of Manny Villar.

Villar, a former Senate President and one of the country's wealthiest businessman, endorsed Duterte during the campaign season and led the coalition between Duterte's party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, and his Nacionalista Party.

Duterte has earlier named Villar's son, Mark, to head the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Duterte also named Christopher Bong Go as special assistant to the president "with general supervision over [the Presidential Management Staff]."

In announcing Go's appointment, Duterte's teased his executive assistant whom he described as specializing in "how not to do things the right way."

"E palagi kong nare-reprimand e," Duterte said in jest at a televised news conference in Davao City.

Go has been dubbed the new national "photobomber" as the constant face beside Duterte throughout the campaign period.