Under Bojie Dy's speakership, new secretary general, sergeant-at-arms elected

MANILA, Philippines — As the 20th Congress resumes under the leadership of newly elected House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III, the 300-member chamber has elected a new secretary general and sergeant-at-arms.

During its plenary session on Tuesday, September 23,

Majority Leader Sandro Marcos initiated the move by calling for both posts to be declared vacant — a motion that was approved by the body. 

This effectively unseated House Secretary General Reginald Velasco and Sergeant-at-Arms Police Major General Napoleon Taas.

Taking Velasco’s place, former Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil was unanimously elected as the new secretary general of the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, retired Brigadier General Ferdinand Melchor Dela Cruz was declared the next House sergeant-at-arms, who was also unanimously voted upon. 

Who is Garafil?

Garafil has held a number of government positions since President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. took office, most recently serving as the Philippines’ 9th representative to Taiwan. 

Before that, she spent nearly two years as PCO secretary before being replaced by Cesar Chavez.

A lawyer and former journalist, the new House secretary general brings a diverse background to the role. 

She previously worked as a prosecutor at the Department of Justice during the Arroyo administration and had stints as a reporter for Malaya, Philippine Daily Globe and the Central News Agency of Taiwan.

Garafil was also reportedly the former media director and public relations officer of then-President and now Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

She holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Arts and a Juris Doctor from the University of Santo Tomas. She passed the Bar exam in 2003 and later earned a master’s degree in National Security Administration.

What does the secretary general do?

According to House rules, the secretary general is tasked with implementing the decisions and orders of the chamber and preparing the Order of Business for each session.

The office receives all bills and resolutions filed by House members and is responsible for certifying and affixing the official House seal on approved measures, acts, orders and resolutions.

During plenary sessions, the secretary general conducts the roll call and reads bills, resolutions, communications, and other official documents required by the Speaker or the House.

They are also responsible for keeping and distributing the official journal of each session, which must provide a "clear and succinct account" of House proceedings. 

On top of that, the secretary general serves as the custodian of all House property and records.

The position also carries the authority to attest to and sign all writs, warrants and subpoenas issued by House committees during legislative inquiries or by the speaker.

The secretary general also acts as the immediate head of all House personnel.

Who is Dela Cruz? 

Coming from the Philippine Army, Dela Cruz served as the 501st Infantry Brigade’s commander under the 5th Infantry Division in 2023. 

He was previously the infantry division’s chief of staff and inspector general, as well as group commander of the Military Intelligence Group. 

Dela Cruz graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1992. Apart from his military experience, he also holds three Masters degrees: one in Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila University, another in Public Management from Virgen delos Remedios College and lastly in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines. 

What does the sergeant-at-arms do?

The sergeant-at-arms is simply responsible for the "maintenance of order in the House of Representatives Building Complex." They enforce the House rules and ensure the safety and security of House officers, members, personnel and guests. 

What went before

It’s worth recalling that Velasco was responsible for receiving impeachment complaints against impeachable officials. He received those who filed complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.

He also read out the vote counts for key decisions during plenary sessions. Velasco also handled travel clearances for House members, ensuring proper authorization for official trips.

Meanwhile, Taas took charge of enforcing the detention orders issued by the past House Quad Committee and the good government and public accountability committee, which investigated the Duterte administration’s drug war and Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds. 

The election of a new secretary general and sergeant-at-arms typically coincides with the inauguration of a new Congress and the election of a new speaker.