Alfredo Pascual sworn in as DTI chief

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. swears in Alfredo Pascual as chief of the Department of Trade and Industry. (Photo from OPS)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has sworn in Alfredo Pascual as Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) said Saturday.

Pascual’s appointment as DTI chief was earlier bypassed by the Commission on Appointments (CA), and as such, he will have to be reappointed by the President, CA member Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said.

READ: CA bypasses Tulfo, Pascual for 2nd time

“Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang panunumpa sa katungkulan ni Alfredo Pascual bilang kalihim ng Department of Trade and Industry kahapon, Disyembre 16,” the OPS said.

(President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the oathtaking of Alfredo Pascual as secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry yesterday, December 16).

During one of his confirmation hearings, Pascual was criticized for being unaware of leadership issues hounding the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza), which is an attached agency of the DTI.

READ: ‘Is he God at Peza?’ Leadership row raised vs DTI chief at confirmation hearing

Despite the criticisms, the President maintained confidence on Pascual as DTI chief,  the OPS said.

“Kumpiyansa ang Pangulo sa patuloy ng pagganap ni Sec. Pascual ng kanyang tungkulin nang may buong puso para sa bayan,” said the OPS.

(The President is confident that Sec. Pascual will continue to accept his duties with a whole heart for his country).

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/MUF