THE man has been doing a yeoman’s job, clearinghouse, and lightning rod for then candidate and now presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Thus, it was only logical that he landed a key role in the Cabinet of the incoming administration.

Veteran law practitioner Victor D. Rodriguez, the long-time chief of staff and spokesperson of Marcos Jr., was nominated for the position of executive secretary.

Rodriguez’ nomination was officially announced by Marcos as the former formally relinquished his post as his spokesperson to prepare for his new assignment.

The 48-year-old lawyer, seen by many as fiercely loyal and among those very few who stood by Marcos in his challenging times, said he has accepted the challenge and new task given to him.

Rodriguez welcomed the nomination, thanking Marcos for the trust he has given him.

With his leadership, Rodriguez was also credited for the very successful and smooth conduct of Marcos’ campaign for the presidency.

“I thanked President-elect Bongbong Marcos for the trust and confidence. Rest assured that our team will work doubly hard for the success of his six-year presidency,” Rodriguez stated.

“Who can say no to President-elect Bongbong Marcos? It is an honor working with him, whom I have known for a very long time, and I believe will serve the country efficiently and with unquestioned devotion. It is very flattering to work alongside the best person I’ve known,” he said.

“Rest assured that our team will work doubly hard for the success of his six-year presidency,” he added.

Not much of his personal activities are known as he prefers to lead a very private life and is seldom seen on the social scene attending events or functions.

Rodriguez is also the managing lawyer of Rodriguez & Partners Law Firm, president of QC Trial Lawyers League, and a noted alumnus of the University of Santo Tomas and once served as treasurer of its Law Alumni Foundation.

He also served as deputy general counsel of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines,

Apart from finishing law at UST, Rodriguez also has Executive Education at the National University of Singapore Negotiation and Influence Program.

The current Executive Secretary is Salvador C. Medialdea.

The Office of the Executive Secretary was formally re-established by virtue of the Executive Order 292, s. 1987, the Administrative Code of 1987, and was given the mandate to directly assist the President in the management of affairs of the government as well as to direct the operations of the Executive Office.

“The Office of the Executive Secretary is unique, in the sense that it has both line and staff functions. Its staff function pertains to its duties to the President, while its line function pertains to its management of the OP and its attached agencies.”

In addition to its mandate in the Administrative Code of 1987, the Office of the Executive Secretary is tasked to perform various other duties upon the discretion of the President or as stated by law.

Congratulations to the new Executive Secretary and we wish him all the luck.