Prelate disappointed over CA’s rejection of Taguiwalo

Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASSA) said Taguiwalo has the right qualifications for the job. (PNA photo)

MANILA — A Catholic prelate expressed disappointment over the Commission on Appointments’ rejection of the appointment of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, saying the body is  “lacking good judgment” in appointing qualified people in government.

Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASSA) said Taguiwalo has the right qualifications for the job.

“The CA should be ashamed of itself for lacking good judgement in appointing the right and competent people in the government,” he said in an interview.

The Catholic priest added, “Taguiwalo has the needed credential, integrity, and track record.”

Gariguez said he believes that Taguiwalo’s exit may have an effect in the forthcoming rehabilitation of Marawi City.

“Marawi emergency response might be negatively affected if we do not have a good and committed secretary at the helm of the DSWD,” he said.

The CBCP-NASSA official noted that it was also not clear why the former DSWD chief did not get the required 13 votes out of the 24-member panel.

“The CA must be clear on what basis they ground their selection. It should not be based on political expediency and interest,” he added.

On Wednesday, Taguiwalo became the third member of the cabinet of President Rodrigo Duterte that failed to get the CA’s approval.