Southern Leyte Rep. Mercado is new DPWH chief

Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado /Photo from House of Representatives Website

MANILA, Philippines — Southern Leyte Lone District Rep. Roger Mercado has been named as the new chief of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Malacañang released to the media on Wednesday the appointment paper of Mercado.

He took his oath before Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Wednesday morning.

The congressman will replace Mark Villar, who left his post to run for senator in the May 2022 elections.

With his appointment, Mercado has to abandon his reelection bid as congressman of Southern Leyte’s first district.

His wife, Luz, is said to be running in his stead.

The Inquirer tried to get a statement from Mercado but has not received any response as of 2 p.m.

His son, Maasin City Mayor Naccional Mercado, said his father would continue all the projects started by Villar under the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration.

“Thank you Mr. President for the trust and confidence given to my father. We hope we made all you guys proud as a Southern Leyteño,” the city mayor said in a post on social media.

KGA