They are yet to be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments.
On Friday, October 6, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administered the oath of office to 10 ad interim appointees.
Among those who took their oath were Executive Secretary Ralph Recto; Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Fredderick Vida; Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Giovanni Lopez; Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Vince Dizon; and Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Francis Tolentino.
Also sworn in were Department of Health Secretary Edwin Mercado; Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna; Department of Tourism Secretary Maria Bernardita Mathay; Department of Budget and Management Secretary Kim Robert De Leon, and; Philippine Space Agency Director General Gay Jane Perez.
The officials’ ad interim appointments remain subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments, which comprises members of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Meanwhile, in his message, President Marcos recognized the work of the secretaries in their departments and the importance of strengthening public accountability and ensuring that government officials remain answerable to the Filipino people.
Under the President’s governance agenda, government agencies are expected to uphold the rule of law, strengthen accountability and protect taxpayers’ money to address public concerns over government spending and build greater confidence in public institutions.
Thus, Marcos underscored the importance of translating government policies and reforms into concrete improvements in public services.
The department and agency heads are expected to build on existing accomplishments while addressing longstanding problems affecting their respective sectors.
Priority government programs are expected to be implemented properly and on time to meet the needs of the people to improve public services for workers, patients, commuters and families across the country.
Meanwhile, he also directed the newly sworn-in ad interim officials to prioritize programs and initiatives that would make basic necessities more affordable, especially with the Christmas season nearing.
According to Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Presss Officer, the directive focuses on keeping prices of basic goods affordable, ensuring safe and convenient travel, and protecting workers’ rights and benefits during the holidays.
“Binigyang-diin ng Pangulo na dapat tiyaking abot-kaya at hindi labis ang presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin upang hindi mabigatan ang mga pamilyang naghahanda para sa Kapaskuhan,” she said.
For his part, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the administration will sustain efforts to keep essential goods, particularly food and other basic household needs, affordable and within reach of ordinary Filipinos.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, meanwhile, noted that the President Marcos wants commuters to spend less time on the road and “save on transportation costs.”
Thus, the Transportation Department is planning to deploy additional buses, trains, and other public transport services to provide commuters with more convenient and accessible travel options.
For his part, Sec. Giovanni Lopez said the DPWH will prioritize road repairs and the completion of ongoing projects to reduce traffic delays.
The administration was also said to be strengthening efforts to ensure that employers comply with labor laws, including the immediate release of their employees’ holiday wages and other mandatory benefits.
