The Presidential Communications Operations Office is once again in the spotlight after reporters covering Malacañang found serious grammatical errors in their identification cards for this year issued by the International Press Center, an attached agency of the PCOO.
Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Martin Andanar has ordered the IPC investigated over the numerous grammatical errors.
Andanar, which blamed the errors on four counts of “breach of protocol,” admitted the incident was quite embarrassing.
He said he was asked to approve the logo on the front of the ID but did not see its back side. “Staff did not show the backflip of the ID to me,” he said, referring to the portion of IPC conditions to bearer that were riddled with grammatical mistakes.
“IPC did not return the final design for my approval,” he added.
Andanar also claimed that IPC used an e-signature on the MPC IDs “without my permission.” IPC used the wrong e-signature, he added.
The MPC IDs which were distributed to reporters a few days ago have been recalled by Malacanang. The front of the card contained the reporter’s name, media organization, and the date of issuance and expiry while the back side contained the conditions to the ID bearer as well as Andanar’s signature.
“This card to be worn during presidential coverage, but subject to specific accreditation/security requirements, but subject to specific accreditation/security requirements. It should be worn all times in entering Malacañang and while inside the Palace grounds. Unauthorized use of this card will result in confiscation,” the card said.
“It is non-transferable and void if altered this card remains property of the Presidential Communications Office. Upon expiration or when resigns from his or her agency, this card should be returning without delay to the International Press Center, G/F National Press Club, Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila,” it added.
The IPC handles the issuance of IDs for local and foreign journalists covering Palace events, visits of world leaders, and major international summits in the country.
The PCOO was also in the spotlight a few days ago when it attributed an interview with an impersonator of President Duterte to the Chief Executive. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
