TV news anchor Carandang quits amid rumors of Palace appointment

Broadcast journalist Ricky Carandang has resigned from ABS-CBN News Channel, amid rumors he was among those being considered for a post in President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's communications team. In a statement, a copy of which was posted on its Twitter account, ANC said Carandang – a news anchor and correspondent – tendered his resignation last Friday, which was accepted by the network on the same day. "ANC Management accepted the resignation of Anchor Ricky Carandang, which he submitted Friday, July 9, 2010," ANC said. No reason was cited for his resignation. Carandang's resignation came amid reports he was being considered to take charge of crafting Malacañang's messages for the media. Reports also have it that BusinessWorld columnist Herminio Coloma was named as head of media operations But presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda refused to confirm the reports to GMANews.TV. "All will be announced on Monday," Lacierda said in a text message. A radio report by Tuesday Niu on Saturday said Aquino apparently made Carandang and Coloma's appointment formal on Friday night. Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa Jr. said the appointments were still being finalized. "Wait na lang kayo ng formal announcement. Inaayos pa din (Please wait for the formal announcement. It is still being finalized)," he told GMANews.TV in a separate text message. The President stressed, according to the same report, that the two new heads of his communications team will have equal powers. Coloma, a former transportation undersecretary, was said to have the backing of TV director and Aquino's cousin Maria Montelibano. Montelibano was the head of Radio-TV Malacañang during the presidency of Aquino's late mother and former President Corazon Aquino. On the other hand, President Aquino said he has yet to define the role of his press secretary. Aside from Carandang and Coloma, Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Manolo Quezon has also been considered for Aquino's communications team. Journalist Ellen Tordesillas has quoted sources as doubting smooth working relations between Coloma and the pair of Carandang and Quezon. Carandang and Quezon are identified with the Liberal Party/Hyatt 10 group, while Montelibano and Coloma are with the Samar group. A rivalry allegedly exists between the two groups. The Samar group got its name from Samar Avenue in South Triangle, Quezon City, where an old house used by its members as a meeting place lies. The LP/Hyatt 10 group is identified with the camp of the President's running mate Manuel "Mar" Roxas II and the 10 Cabinet officials who resigned after Arroyo was accused of poll fraud in the 2004 elections. The Cabinet officials were collectively called the Hyatt 10 because they announced their resignation in 2005 at the Hyatt Hotel in Manila. — with Jam Sisante/LBG, GMANews.TV