MANILA -- Former Executive Secretary Oscar Orbos will be stepping in as officer-in-charge General Manager of the state-run People’s Television Network, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jay Ruiz announced Monday night.

“Yes, siya. Nakausap na namin siya noong Sabado, at pumayag siya na pansamantala munang mag-officer-in-charge doon as GM. So we’re just preparing the papers, titingnan namin ‘yung legalities. Pero sa ngayon, pumayag na siya,” Ruiz told Palace reporters.

“Sabi lang niya I won't stay there for long kasi medyo may edad na si Former Sec. Oscar Orbos. Sabi niya he would rather stay as chairman instead.”

Prior to his appointment, Orbos was named by President Marcos last October as acting chairman of the Board of Directors of the People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTNI) representing the private sector.

Ruiz said they will check whether Orbos as OIC GM will be legally allowed to act as concurrent PTNI Chairman.

“Kami naman pumayag on our part, sinabi namin na sige sir. Pansamantala lang muna para lang magkaroon...kasi maraming empleyado doon ang nagrereklamo. So iyon kaya namin pinagdesisyunan na si Executive Sec. Oscar Orbos muna mago-OIC.

Orbos replaces Toby Nebrida, who was appointed as PTV GM earlier last year.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on February 25 earlier gave PCO officials until February 28 to submit their courtesy resignations to give Ruiz a "free hand in performing his duties and functions."