PHILIPPINE NEWS SERVICE — WILL President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s newly installed deputy national security adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson finally assume the sensitive post of national security adviser?
Thus rumors spread out in Malacañang after it was reported that national security adviser Norberto Gonzales underwent an operation of angioplasty.
Angioplasty is a procedure using a balloon tipped catheter to enlarge a narrowing in a coronary artery.
Reports claimed the development could be a “face saving” ploy for Gonzales to be eased out of his sensitive portfolio.
Gonzales is being blamed for the flak in the new hostilities in Mindanao resulting to the dissolution of the government peace panel dealing with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Palace observers claimed Singson’s appointment was the President’s body language to telegraph to Gonzales it is time to go.
But Malacañang immediately quelled the speculations about Gonzales’ being on the way out, pointing out that undersecretary Milo S. Ibrado will be acting national security adviser, instead of Singson, who is former President Joseph Estrada’s tormentor and whistleblower leading to his ouster from the Palace.
Singson’s appointment has drawn criticisms notably from the camp of former President and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.
The young Estrada even warned Gonzales to watch his circles, pointing out he may be sleeping with the “enemy”, referring to Singson who could snatch away his portfolio.
Singson twitted the Estradas, pointing out the latter should not be afraid of him in his new post since he would not ran after them and their huge money.
Gonzales was supposed to join the company of presidential adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. who flew to Kuala Lumpur to explain the side of the Philippine government panel on the new peace paradigm and the scrapping of the peace panel with the MILF.
But press secretary Jesus Dureza told a Palace briefing yesterday that Gonzales underwent an angioplasty and is recuperating in a hospital.
Dureza said that Gonzales was advised to immediately underwent an angioplasty when he complained Tuesday during a Cabinet meeting that he was feeling not well.
So he proceeded to St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City where he underwent the angioplasty treatment, it was learned.