MANILA, Philippines — Another former journalist has been tapped to head the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as the interim appointment of Secretary Erwin Tulfo is still in limbo.
Secretary Cheloy Garafil of the Office of Press Secretary (OPS) confirmed to reporters on Tuesday that Undersecretary Edu Punay will be the officer-in-charge of the DSWD in Tulfo’s stead.
The DSWD also confirmed the appointment of Punay as OIC.
“The DSWD welcomes the designation of Usec. Edu Punay as OIC of the Department,” DSWD said.
“This is needed to ensure the continuous operations of the agency and that no activities will be derailed or hampered, especially now that we need to provide assistance to those affected by the weather disturbance in the country,” it added.
The confirmation of Tulfo’s appointment to DSWD was deferred by the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) due to questions on the former broadcaster and commentator’s conviction for libel, and citizenship issues.
READ: CA defers Tulfo’s confirmation as secretary of DSWD
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. can opt to reappoint cabinet officials whose appointment was deferred by the CA, just like last October when several key officials like Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and others were reassigned to their posts.
This was after CA deferred its decision on the appointment of the officials.
READ: Bongbong Marcos leads oath-taking of reappointed Cabinet members