2 Presidential Assistants for WV?
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appointed former Concepcion town mayor Raul Banias as Presidential Assistant for Panay to replace now Sugar Regulator Administration head Rafael "Lito" Coscolluela.
Banias said in a telephone interview that the President signed his appointment on September 4 but he expects to assume office next week at the earliest after he takes his oath of office before House Majority Leader and Iloilo Rep. Arthur Defensor Sr. this week before the oath-taking with the President in Malacañang on September 24.
The appointment of Banias came us a surprise following the announcement on Sept. 8 that Coscolluela will be replaced by Narciso "Jun" Santiago Jr., the husband of Sen. Miriam-Defensor Santiago, who is also presidential adviser on revenue enhancement.
It is not clear why Santiago did not assume the post and why two new positions were created.
Coscolluela said another official will be named as Presidential Assistant for Negros. He said it is still unclear what will be the areas covered by the PA for Panay and Negros.
The PA for Western Visayas had covered Region 6, which includes the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.
Banias, a physician and three-term mayor of Concepcion town, said he was also surprised by the appointment.
During his time as mayor of Concepcion, Banias has received various awards from national and international development agencies including the Galing Pook for his development projects in his town and in northern Iloilo.