Arroyo's spokesman takes leave

Arroyo's spokesman takes leave

PHILIPPINES: President Gloria Arroyo's spokesman said on Thursday
he would take a six-month leave of absence to recharge his
batteries after a frenetic first year in office. Rigoberto
Tiglao, a former journalist, said he would fly to Japan next week
to become a visiting professor at Kyoto University's Center for
Southeast Asian Studies.

Tiglao, 49, said his time with Arroyo had been exciting but
the fellowship would be "an opportunity for me to refresh my
intellectual, spiritual, and even physical resources".

He said he intended to return to his job and his vacation had
Arroyo's blessings.

A presidential palace aide, Sylvestre Afable, will stand in
for Tiglao for the next six months. --AFP