President Marcos nominates 9 Cabinet members to Commission on Appointments

MANILA, Philippines — They have been described as “over-acting,” for having served too long in an acting capacity.

Yesterday, President Marcos swore in his ad interim appointees and agency heads, with nine Cabinet members being nominated to the Commission on Appointments (CA) for confirmation.

Marcos administered the oath of office to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, Public Works Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, Health Secretary Edwin Mercado, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, Tourism Secretary Maria Bernardita Mathay, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon.

Also sworn in was Philippine Space Agency director general Gay Jane Perez.

“This is the best team ever assembled here since my father’s Cabinet,” Marcos told the appointees.

The officials’ ad interim appointments remain subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments, composed of representatives from the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“The President emphasized the importance of strengthening public accountability and ensuring that government officials remain answerable to the Filipino people,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement on Friday.

“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,” the agency said.

It said Marcos underscored the importance of translating government policies and reforms into concrete improvements in public services.

The President’s sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, had criticized him for not submitting the names of Cabinet members to the CA for confirmation, beyond the allowed period. She lamented that there were many “over-acting” Cabinet officials.

Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos were scheduled to attend the opening of the Likhang Filipino Theater in Pasay City on Friday.

During an open forum at the Rotary Club of Manila event on Thursday, the First Lady was asked if she would like to be president.

“I’ve seen my husband’s schedule. It’s brutal. He starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m., going from one visit to another,” she replied. “You know, with only 609 days to go, I won’t have to wear a terno or put on makeup and hairspray. My hair will be so happy. So the answer is no.”

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