The Workings of the Press Operation (2005-2008)

The Workings of the Press Operation (2005 - 2008) 

Usec. Robert T. Rivera

Usec. Robert T. Rivera is not only a God fearing person, but patriotic as well. He sets aside personal biases to serve higher interest and remains apolitical even to this day. Although he served under PGMA as a Deputy Secretary for Operations under Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye, Usec. Robert is a friend to everybody regardless of political affiliation or social status in life. Covering his events in his public, private life and in his unguarded moment for the past ten years, is a privilege. It was a decade ago, just after his youngest son was baptized, the country was in near chaos, the military was divided (some were allegedly preparing for coup d' etat, while others were proposing a military junta), political unrest is brewing. Then VP Noli De Castro neither have the political nor military backing or the popularity to take the place of PGMA in case of anarchy, to control the situation. On the other hand, President Estrada Erap have just been removed from office via people power revolution. President Estrada's return to power is unacceptable to the military, Meanwhile everytime PGMA appears in the news, the more the people react negatively. The Hello Garci Tape Scandal hits the headline. Fifteen (15) of GMA's cabinet men resigned. But, who shall take over the Presidency? Ultra rightist group in the military was allegedly forging unholy alliance with the left to overthrow the administration at whatever cost, while other military officers including retired generals are proposing a military junta. Adding fuel to the fire were the politicians insisting that PGMA should resign since move to oust her through impeachment failed. Despite mass resignation of cabinet members, Usec. Rivera stayed behind with his boss, then Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye. The government must have a mouthpiece to appease the nation in times of chaos and anarchy. President Fidel V. Ramos appeared at PTV-4 in the show of Usec. Robert, advocating to amend the Constitution and let the people decide whether to shorten the term of PGMA to break the impasse and provide a peaceful solution. The rest was history.