Press Secretary Jesus Dureza has been named Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, while Presidential Management Staff head Cerge Remonde will take over his post.

The Cabinet “shifting” that takes effect Feb. 1 was announced by Executive Secretary and concurrent Presidential Spokesman Eduardo Ermita yesterday, a Philippine News Agency press release said.

To replace Remonde as PMS head is Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Hermogenes Esperon Jr., whose post will go to retired Philippine National Police chief Avelino Razon, presently the deputy national security adviser.

Dureza, who had reportedly requested President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for a lighter assignment while his wife, the former Elizabeth Salutillo, battles a debilitating kidney ailment, thanked the President for “her trust and confidence,” the government press release said.

Ermita justified the appointment, saying that Dureza, who studied Law at the Ateneo de Davao Law School, placed 10th in the 1973 Philippine Bar Examinations, scoring 100 percent in Criminal Law, has very good credentials as Presidential Legal Counsel.

Dureza said, “I feel greatly privileged and honored to be chosen by Her Excellency the President as her Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.” He said the job will bring him new challenges and fresh work perspectives, and will be an enriching experience for him.

Remonde, who will take over Dureza’s place, was a former six-term chairman of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, and is also fit as OPS head, Ermita said.

Meanwhile, Ermita said Esperon recommended his Philippine Military Academy Class 1974 “classmate” Razon to take his place, as both the Armed Forces and the PNP are deeply involved in peace and security, the press release added.*

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