Governance protocols and executive performance benchmarks face heightened oversight as newly sworn ad-interim agency heads assume operational control ahead of mandatory legislative confirmation proceedings.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday administered the oath of office to several ad-interim Cabinet appointees he had tapped to head different agencies and help him ensure the implementation of government programs and projects.
The officials who took their oath include Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, Public Works Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Transportation Vince Dizon, and Budget Secretary Kim Robert De Leon.
The others are: Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, Health Secretary Edwin Mercado, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, Tourism Secretary Maria Bernardita Mathay, and Philippine Space Agency Director General Gay Jane Perez.
During the event, the President said the public expects stronger accountability, cleaner governance, and tangible from the government and its officials.
Marcos said public service must translate into concrete actions that protect the welfare and address the needs of Filipinos as he urged his Cabinet to build on existing gains, address longstanding challenges, and ensure the effective implementation of priority programs.
Marcos also emphasized the need to keep basic goods affordable, provide safe and convenient transportation for Filipinos traveling home, and protect workers’ rights through the proper enforcement of labor laws, including holiday pay and benefits. These efforts must deliver tangible improvements in the lives of every Filipino.
Recto said all the ad-interim appointees will still undergo the confirmation process before the Commission on Appointments (CA).
Ad-interim appointees are those who were appointed while Congress is in recess but may already be allowed to immediately assume office while waiting for the CA confirmation.