STO TOMAS City -- Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas has firmly refuted claims circulating on social media that he is set to replace former Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin as the new Executive Secretary.
The controversy arose following a Facebook post by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Batangas, which congratulated him on his purported new role.
The now-deleted post stated, “Congratulations Gov DODO MANDANAS as the new EXECUTIVE SECRETARY replacing ES BERSAMIN.”
Upon being contacted for confirmation via text, Governor Mandanas responded, “Not true. I have not even received any invitation to be ES. There is nothing to accept. I am Governor of the Province of Batangas.”
The social media post in question had already been removed.
Vice Governor Mark Leviste, when asked about his knowledge of the supposed appointment, stated, “I’ve received several messages since the holidays, but not one from Gov Dodo regarding this matter.”
As vice governor, Leviste would automatically assume the position of provincial chief executive if Mandanas were indeed appointed.
The social media administrator of PCCI-Batangas opted not to comment on the now-questionable post, stating that they are awaiting a clearer advisory.
CAPTION: Dumalo at nakiisa si Gov. DoDo Mandanas sa isinagawang banal na misa sa pagdiriwang ng Kapistahan ng Sto. Niño ng Batangan, na may temang "Ang Sto. Niño ng Batangan sa ika-75 taon ng pagka-Basilica: Nagpapalawak ng Sakop ng Tolda" sa Basilica Immaculate Concepcion Parish-Archdiocese of Lipa noong Martes (16 Jan 2024)