
<p>
Malacañang, however, has belied rumors that former senator is being groomed as the next secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
</p>
<p>
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella told reporters on Tuesday, February 14, 2017:
</p>
<div class="article-comment">
<p>
"Frankly, I don't have any knowledge of that.  As far as I'm concerned, I have not received anything [about the supposed appointment of Marcos as DILG head]." 
</p>
</div>
<p>
There have been speculations that President Rodrigo Duterte would invite Marcos to the Cabinet after the one-year ban on appointing losing candidates in the May 2016 elections expires.
</p>
<p>
Marcos ran for vice president in the national elections held last year but lost narrowly to former Camarines Sur representative Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo.
</p>
<p>
Following Robredo's victory, Marcos filed an electoral protest and alleged massive fraud.
</p>
<p>
Albay Representative Edcel Lagman said that Marcos' electoral protest against Robredo would be considered moot and academic if he accepts the DILG post.  
</p>
<p>
Lagman told members of the press on Tuesday, February 14, 2017:
</p>
<div class="article-comment">
<p>
"He can accept but (if) he accepts, he is constrained to withdraw his petition. The court has several rulings on that. Tumanggap ka ng posisyon why are you still pursuing a case?" 
</p>
</div>
<p>
Lagman noted that previous decisions on election cases indicate that a losing candidate has to withdraw the protest upon taking a government position.  Lagman, meanwhile, recognizes that leading the DILG is a stepping stone for the presidency:
</p>
<div class="article-comment">
<p>
"Well, the DILG is a very important stepping stone to Malacañang. Ang ano diyan ang spread of influence. You have supervision over the LGUs (local government units). You have supervision over the police. That's the possible objective." 
</p>
</div>

<p>
<strong>Sources</strong>: 
</p>
<ol class="article-sources">
<li>
Various online news outlets
</li>
</ol>





Rumored DILG appointment of Bongbong Marcos, if accepted, complicates protest vs Robredo