Noy signs order naming Lacson as Visayas rehab czar

MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATED) President Benigno Aquino III has signed a memorandum order naming former senator Panfilo Lacson as the government's rehabilitation czar for Visayas.

"The Office of the Executive Secretary has released the appointment papers of former Senator Panfilo Lacson as Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery with Cabinet rank, as well as Memorandum Order 62 providing for the functions of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery," Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

Coloma said the president signed the papers on Dec. 6 and the appointment papers were transmitted on Dec. 9.

"To assist Secretary Lacson, the president also appointed Mr. Danilo Antonio as undersecretary under the Office of the President," he added.

With the appointment, Lacson may already join the Cabinet meeting this afternoon in Malacañang.

"As presidential assistant, Secretary Lacson shall 'act as the overall manager and coordinator of rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction efforts of government departments, agencies and instrumentalities in the affected areas, including Samar, Leyte, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Ilo-ilo and Palawan where typhoon Yolanda wrought widespread destruction, substantial damage and death," Coloma said.

He added that Lacson is also tasked to coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and its member agencies and consult with the concerned local government units in the formulation of plans and programs for the rehabilitation, recovery and development of the affected areas.

Moreover, the new Cabinet member is expected to exercise oversight on relevant state agencies in the rehabilitation and recovery effort and call upon state bureaus for assistance in carrying out his mandate.

The Cabinet is expected to present this afternoon to Aquino the detailed rehabilitation plan for areas devastated by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Visayas.

Related story: Lacson to get Cabinet rank