Claudio quits; Gonzales acting political adviser

(Updated 1:31 p.m.) National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales will temporarily take over the post of the ailing Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio, who has resigned from the Arroyo Cabinet to ensure his full recovery from congenital scoliosis. Claudio previously filed a one-month medical leave, but he confirmed Friday that he would not be returning to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's official family anymore. In a text message, Claudio said: "Yes I have resigned to avail of as much time and opportunity as needed to fully and permanently recover from my back ailment for which I underwent spinal surgery last August 8." He added: "[Press] Secretary [Ignacio] Bunye will make the official announcement of PGMA's (Arroyo's) acceptance of my resignation and her designation of my replacement." President Arroyo "has accepted with regret" Claudio's resignation, Bunye said in a text message. "Secretary Claudio earlier underwent a complicated spinal surgery which will require months of rehabilitation. The President thanked Secretary Claudio for his invaluable service. The President has named Secretary Bert Gonzales as [his] temporary replacement." Gonzales took over the Department of National Defense in an interim capacity, until Gilberto Teodoro was recently sworn in as its secretary. Aside from national security adviser, Gonzales concurrently serves director-general of the National Security Council. According to the website of the Office of the President, Gonzales acts as National Anti-Terrorism coordinator and vice chair of the Anti-Terrorism Task Force. He also worked as Mrs Arroyo's chief of staff from August 2004 to February 2005, as well as her adviser for special concerns from February 2001 to January 2004. The 52-year-old Claudio underwent surgery to decompress areas in his spine affected by scoliosis. He already had surgery for scoliosis in the 1970s. Claudio earlier complained that there was a renewed instability and nerve compression in the upper lumbar section of his spine, causing severe lower back pains. - GMANews.TV