DOH Officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire: “I think he is very qualified naman doon sa kanyang mga credentials na nakalagay diyan.”
VERGEIRE — The officer-in-charge of the Department of Health (DOH) spoke about the appointment of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Camilo Cascolan as health undersecretary.
In a radio interview on Thursday, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire was asked for reaction regarding the clamor that those appointed in the health department should have a background in medicine or public health.
“Ang sa atin na lang po, paano ba mas makakatulong ang mga taong naa-appoint at pinapasok sa kagawaran natin. So let’s see,” Vergeire answered. “Hindi pa natin nakikita, hindi pa natin nasususbukan. Makikita ho natin ‘yan.”
She also backed the appointment of former PNP chief Camilo Cascolan as health undersecretary, saying that he’s “very qualified” based on his credentials.
READ ALSO: President Bongbong Marcos Speaks On Appointment Of Cascolan, Soriano
According to her, applications of those vying for high-level positions in the government are transmitted to the Office of the President, and the President would have the prerogative whether they will be appointed or not.
She added that Cascolan’s assignment in the health department will be announced in the coming days, after they determine which role suits him most based on his credentials.
Last Wednesday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that former PNP chief Camilo Cascolan will have administrative functions at the Department of Health and will not look at health issues.
Meanwhile, Vergeire disclosed in a separate interview with ANC that she wasn’t offered the secretary post.
“Honestly, it was not offered. I was asked to be an OIC,” she said. “I was able to explain to them also my reservations and he just said, ‘You just continue to do the work and we will discuss further.’”
Thank you for visiting Newspapers.ph. You may express your reactions or thoughts in the comments section. Also, you may follow us on Facebook as well.