OGIE IN P-NOY CABINET: PALACE EXPLAINS OGIE'S APPOINTMENT TO EPPC
[EARLIER PHOTO - OGIE WITH INCOMING PRESIDENT NOY AND HIS FINACÉE REGINE]
MANILA, JANUARY 19, 2011 (BULLETIN) By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZJ - Malacanang has justified the controversial selection of singer-composer Ogie Alcasid as member of the EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC) by citing his ability to "engage the youth."
In a press briefing on Jan. 17, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda maintained that Alcasid, who was assigned as the convener of music and entertainment sectors, can help raise awareness among the youth on the value of the historic People Power Revolution in 1986.
"The problem with EDSA People Power anniversary is it's been 25 years now and the next generation has almost taken the anniversary for granted. We need to engage the youth in remembering what it was before. I think he [Ogie] can play a role.
"Ogie is young… He connects with the youth and he can be an instrument of making sure that the youth are always, [and] will always be reminded of the significance of the People Power revolution," said Lacierda.
Speculations arose that Alcasid's appointment had something to do with his affinity to President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, being that he openly endorsed and wrote songs for the latter's campaign. The chief executive also served as one of the groomsmen of the multi-awarded musician when he wedded singer-actress Regine Velasquez last December.
Prior, Alcasid's father, Herminio Sr., was appointed as one of the members of the Philippine National Oil Co.-Development and Management Corporation's board of directors.
Aside from Alcasid, Lacierda defended the appointment of broadsheet columnist Conrado De Quiros, who is said to have been a "critic" of former President Cory Aquino.
De Quiros "would often state the importance of People Power" in his columns, thus underlining the significance he ascribes to the democratic revolution, the spokesperson said.
"'Yung alam natin, 'nung sa eulogy of President Cory Aquino, Conrad de Quiros in fact mentioned nagtaka siya bakit lumapit sa kanya si Pangulong Aquino after ng kanyang term as President and inamin naman ni Conrad de Quiros na pumupuna siya kay Pangulong Aquino. But nakita natin dito ang role ni Conrad de Quiros sa People Power," said Lacierda.
The other members of the commission are: Jose Pardo, former Department of Trade and Industry secretary; Cesar Sariño, former chairman of the Government Service Insurance System; Emily Abrera, advertiser; Christopher Carrion, founding chairperson of the Spirit of Edsa Foundation; and Milagros Kilayko.
The organization of the EPPC is meant to promote the ideals of the People Power Revolution, the 25th anniversary of which falls on Feb. 25
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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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