Hans Leo Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – The powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) deferred on Tuesday the confirmation of Hans Leo Cacdac as secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero confirmed the deferment of Cacdac’s appointment during an ambush interview.
“It was deferred today kaya hindi ko pa ginagamit ang salitang bypass. It was deferred today, hindi ko pa alam kung magkakaroon bukas, depende kung magbago ang posisyon ng House,” said Escudero.
(It was deferred today, that’s why I still haven’t used the term bypass. It was deferred today. It’s still uncertain if it will be tackled tomorrow, it depends if House’s position will change)
READ: Marcos’ marching order to new DMW chief Cacdac: Protect OFWs
“Kung magbago ang posisyon ng House, e di magco-convene kami bukas. Nandito lang naman kami at mako-confirm pa rin namin siya bukas at hindi siya maba-bypass,” he added.
(If House’s position changes, then we will convene. We are here and we can still confirm Cacdac’s appointment so he doesn’t get bypassed.)
SAGIP Rep. Rodante Marcoleta made the motion to suspend the appointment of Cacdac during the CA panel on labor, employment, social welfare and migrant workers’ meeting, citing lack of material time.
Cacdac’s designation was deliberated upon by the CA panel on labor, employment, social welfare and migrant workers. Two oppositors—Ferdinand Delos Reyes and Roberto Tan—also joined the panel’s meeting on Cacdac’s appointment.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. named Cacdac as DMW Secretary in April.
Prior to his appointment as DMW chief, Cacdac served as the agency’s officer-in-charge. Before Cacdac, Susan “Toots” Ople headed the agency until her death due to breast cancer in August 2023.
“The President’s marching order was to give sufficient protection and ensure the welfare of our OFWs, especially in times of distress and need,” said Cacdac then.