Andanar says he will not run in 2019 polls

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday said he has no plans to run in the 2019 elections.

Interviewed on ANC, Andanar, however, said if the form of government will shift to federalism, he might consider running for a local position in the province.

"I feel that I'm more effective as a technocrat and I've never really concerned myself as a politician even when I join this position, " he said. "I just enjoy being in the background so I don't see myself running in the next year."

"If it becomes a federal government then I'll consider... in the province. I'm better in verse in Bisaya than Tagalog," Andanar added.

Over the weekend, the PCOO chief disclosed some of those part of President Rodrigo Duterte's administration who may run in the coming elections.

Andanar said Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Secretary Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong, Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco, and Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers Abdullah Mamao are likely to seek gubernatorial posts.

Presidential political adviser Francis Tolentino may also seek a post in the Senate, Andanar said.

Meanwhile, Andanar has said that presidential spokesman Harry Roque should lead the Office of the Press Secretary, the messaging arm which the government plans to revive. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News