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