Garafil replaces Bello at MECO; broadcaster takes over PCO

Former broadcaster Cesar Chavez is the new secretary of the Presidential Communications Office, with former PCO secretary Cheloy Garafil appointed by President Marcos as the new chief of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).

- ALEXIS ROMERO

In an interview with reporters yesterday, Chavez confirmed that Garafil would be appointed as chief of MECO, the duly designated instrumentality to promote and protect the Philippines’ interests in Taiwan.

Chavez said he took his oath as PCO secretary before Marcos yesterday, but Garafil has yet to do the same because MECO has a board that elects its officials.

In a text message to The STAR, former labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III confirmed that he was “replaced” as MECO chief.

In its website, MECO said its mandate is to serve as a link between the people of the Philippines and Taiwan. It has been authorized to perform functions usually carried out by Philippine foreign missions but of a nonpolitical, non-security nature and performs consular functions.