CA confirms Social Welfare chief Gatchalian’s appointment
MANILA, Philippines — Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian secured Tuesday the confirmation of the Commission on Appointments, allowing him to become a full-fledged Cabinet official.
The CA, which is composed of members of Congress, acted favorably on Gatchalian’s appointment as he was recommended for approval by the powerful body’s committee on labor, employment, social welfare and migrant workers.
In Gatchalian’s opening statement during the committee hearing on his appointment, he said that as secretary he would like to put “equal thrust” on social welfare and development.
“Yes, social welfare is very important, but equally as important will be the development programs of the department. Because these development programs are the ones that will break the chain or cycle of poverty,” Gatchalian said.
He faced the CA panel for around two hours and was only quizzed by senators as members of the House of Representatives who were also part of the committee opted not to ask questions as they gave their full support for Gatchalian who was congressman for Valenzuela’s 1st District prior to his appointment.
“The nominee is a colleague in the present Congress. We believe in his competence, integrity, and fitness,” said CA Majority Leader Rep. Luis Ray Villafuerte (Camarines Sur, 2nd District ).
Gatchalian — a three-term Valenzuela mayor and brother of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian — vacated his post as Valenzuela representative when he was appointed in January by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to head the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Citizenship issues and a libel conviction hounded Erwin Tulfo, Marcos’ first pick for DSWD chief, which led to the CA bypassing him twice. That prompted the president to choose Gatchalian for the post. — Xave Gregorio
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