Año extends leave until end-February

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has extended his leave until the end of February on his doctors’ advice. Bernardo Florece Jr., the undersecretary for peace and order, will continue to serve as officer-in-charge of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) during his absence.

“The extension was upon doctors’ advice for him to fully recuperate, regain his strength, and prioritize his health above all else,” Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for the DILG, told reporters. Año went on leave in January as part of his recovery after being infected twice with the new coronavirus last year. Año, 59, was advised by his doctors “to slow down and take a break from stressful activities.” He tested positive for the virus on March 3 and again on Aug. 16. —Jeannette I. Andrade