Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. (Photo from the Facebook page of the Department of Agriculture)
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Tuesday approved the appointments of Dr. Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa and Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as the country’s health and agriculture chiefs.
The CA’s panels on health and agriculture recommended the plenary approval of the officials’ appointment.
“I believe that the Department of Health is in good hands. First of all, not only was he appointed by the President, but he comes well regarded and well recommended,” said Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri prior to the confirmation of Herbosa’s appointment.
Meanwhile, Laurel, according to Zubiri, is a brave man.
“Sabi ko nga, matapang ‘yan. Wag mo kalimutan ang tapang mo when you deal with these smugglers and even ineffective members of the DA – huwag kang matakot. The President put you there for a reason. He was the former secretary, but if he put his trust in you — malaking bagay po ‘yan. That means a lot to the President,” said Zubiri.
(Like what I said, he is brave. Do not forget your courage when you deal with these smugglers and even ineffective members of the DA – do not be afraid. The President put you there for a reason. He was the former secretary, but if he put his trust in you — that’s a big thing. That means a lot to the President.)
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. named Herbosa as the DOH chief in June 2023. Laurel, on the other hand, was appointed on November 3, 2023.