ROXAS TO ICBAN: SPEAK THE TRUTH

Sen. Mar Roxas today congratulated Crispulo "Jun" Icban Jr. for his appointment as the new Press Secretary even as he challenged the veteran journalist to "speak the truth" when dealing with members of the media covering the executive beat.

The senator said much is expected from Icban, being a respected long-time member of the media industry who has staunchly conformed to the journalists' Code of Ethics.

"Mahirap ang posisyong ito. Kailangang panatilihin ang balanse sa pagitan ng katotohanan at ang trabahong pangalagaan ang integridad ng Malakanyang. Iyan ang malaking hamon ngayon kay Ginoong Icban," Roxas said.

He also said Icban, who has been a long-time media practitioner and was the editor-in-chief of the Manila Bulletin prior to his appointment, could prove his worth by not only learning to handle media affairs but by being truthful in his transactions with reporters.

"Nakita nating lahat kung paanong naging pipi't bingi ang mga dating humawak ng puwestong iyan. Naging kasangkapan sila ng mga alipores ng administrasyong ito upang itago ang katotohanan sa publiko," he added, referring to reported cover-ups made by previous holders of the post.

"The public expects Mr. Icban to deliver what he needs to deliver - the truth and nothing but the truth, no embellishments, no alibis. We are hoping to see real public service from him," Roxas said.

Icban took over the post vacated by Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, who died of cardiac arrest last January 19.