Questions about DMW programs delay CA’s confirmation of Cacdac

Migrant Workers Sec. Hans Cacdac —Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac will have to face the legislative Commission on Appointments (CA) again after he failed to secure the support of most of its members during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday.

Senate President Francis Escudero, who also chairs the CA, said Cacdac’s confirmation was deferred as several House lawmakers had asked for more time to question him about the programs of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

But he clarified that the DMW chief was not yet bypassed since he would have until Wednesday, the last session day of the 19th Congress before its sine die adjournment, to get the nod of the powerful legislative body.

READ: Marcos appoints Cacdac Secretary of Department of Migrant Workers

“If the House (contingent) changes its position, we will convene [on Wednesday]. We’re just here to confirm him,” Escudero said in an interview after the CA deliberations.

Cacdac, who succeeded the late Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, would have to be reappointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. if he fails to hurdle the CA’s scrutiny, the Senate leader said.

After extensively asking him about the DMW’s programs to provide legal assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Sagip party list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta moved to suspend the proceedings for “lack of material time.”

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, however, backed Cacdac’s appointment, saying his “deep sense of compassion combined with his skills and experience” made him “an effective leader of the department and a great advocate for our OFWs.”