Newly appointed Press Secretary Crispulo “Jun” Icban Jr. took his oath of office to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Monday morning in simple ceremonies at the Study Room of the Malacanang Palace.

President Arroyo appointed Icban as a replacement to the late Press Secretary Cerge M. Remonde.

Icban is the editor-in-chief (on leave) of Manila Bulletin, one of the oldest newspaper in the country.

Icban is the ninth press secretary under President Arroyo. His predecessors were the late Noel Cabrera, Rigoberto Tiglao, Silvestre Afable, Ignacio Bunye, Hernani Braganza, Milton Alingod, Jesus Dureza, and Cerge Remonde.

Acting Press Secretary Conrado “Dodie” Limcaoco Jr. also turned-over the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) leadership to Icban in a simple ceremony at the New Executive Building (NEB) in Malacanang.

The President named Limcaoco as Acting Press Secretary following Remonde’s unexpected demise due to a heart attack last January 19.