PBBM reappoints Cacdac as DMW ad interim secretary

FILE: SEA ISSUES. Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac talks to journalists at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City on May 25, 2024. Cacdac said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered constant support for the families of 20 Filipino mariners affected by the Red Sea attacks while assuring that they are in constant communication with them. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reappointed Hans Leo Cacdac as ad interim secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) after the Commission on Appointments bypassed his confirmation, the Palace said on Saturday.

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Cacdac’s reappointment demonstrates the President’s continued trust and confidence in the migrant workers secretary.

Malacañang disclosed a list of presidential appointees, including Cacdac, on Friday.

The Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress adjourned sine die on Thursday, prompting the CA to defer Cacdac’s confirmation.

SAGIP Rep. Rodante Marcoleta filed a motion to suspend Cacdac’s appointment during the CA committee on labor hearing due to lack of time.

Cacdac said he defers to the wisdom of the CA members to have more time to consider and deliberate on his appointment, as he submits himself to the process.

“In the interim, I will continue to engage our legislators and share the department’s collective vision to empower OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) to become genuine co-architects of national development. I will also continue to provide our legislators with the necessary information they require from us,” Cacdac said.

Marcos appointed Cacdac as ad interim Secretary of the DMW on April 25 after serving as officer in charge following the passing of Susan “Toots” Ople in August last year.

Before his ad interim appointment in the Cabinet, Cacdac also served as Executive Director V of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA); Executive Director V of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA); and Undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

He also served as Deputy Executive Director V of the POEA; Executive Director IV of DOLE’s National Conciliation Mediation Board; Director IV of DOLE’s Bureau of Labor Relations; and Associate Lawyer and Urban Poor Unit Coordinator of the Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal (SALIGAN) in the private sector.