Aquino finally nominates Garin as DOH secretary

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III has finally signed the nomination papers of former Undersecretary Janette Garin as Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), Malacañang said Thursday.

“The nomination was sent by the Office of the President to the Commission on Appointments, which will eventually schedule the confirmation hearing/s,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

Garin will replace former Secretary Enrique Ona who resigned in December last year amid his involvement in the alleged anomalous purchase of vaccines.

READ: It’s final; Ona quits

Before his resignation, Ona took a month-long leave. That was when Garin, who was then undersecretary for the women, children and family health cluster of the DOH, was appointed acting secretary.

During her stint as acting secretary, Garin received flak for visiting quarantined peacekeepers from Liberia without wearing protective gear against Ebola.

READ: Palace defends Garin, Catapang visit to quarantined peacekeepers

She was also accused of offering pork barrel funds to lawmakers despite the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund.

READ: Palace: Let Congress explain ‘hidden pork’

She served as a former congresswoman of Iloilo from 2004 to 2013 and was allied with President Benigno Aquino III’s Liberal Party.

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