Duterte designates new officers-in-charge in DAR, DENR

DAR Undersecretary David Erro. Image from DAR website

MANILA, Philippines — Days before stepping down, President Rodrigo Duterte has designated two new officers-in-charge (OIC) at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The new officers-in-charge of DAR and DENR are David Erro and Joselin Marcus Fragada, respectively.

“The Palace confirms that Mr. David Erro has been designated as Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Agrarian Reform,” acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said in a statement on Thursday.

READ: Castricciones turns over DAR leadership to Bernie Cruz

“The Palace likewise confirms that Mr. Joselin Marcus Fragada has been designated as Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” he added.

DENR OIC Joselin Marcus Fragada. Image from DENR website

According to DAR, Erro took over acting Secretary Bernie Cruz’s position as the latter’s appointment is “considered bypassed” since the Congress adjourned on June 20.

Cruz returned to serving as an undersecretary of DAR.

Erro, meanwhile, will serve as OIC secretary until June 30 — also Duterte’s last day in office — as incoming secretary Conrado Estrella III will take over as DAR’s chief.

On the other hand, Fragada replaced DENR acting Secretary Jim Sampulna.

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