Appointing gov’t officials prerogative of PRRD: Lorenzana

“It is the prerogative of the President to appoint whomever he wishes,” he added in message to reporters Monday. (PNA file Photo)

MANILA — Appointing anyone to a government post is up to President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

This was the comment of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana when sought for a reaction regarding the looming appointment of Philippine Army chief Lt.

Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista as head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shortly after his retirement from the military service on Oct. 15.

“It is the prerogative of the President to appoint whomever he wishes,” he added in message to reporters Monday.

The Army chief is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985.

Also, Lorenzana believes that Bautista will do good as DSWD chief.

“Gen. Bautista’s advantage is that he is a professional and as such he will insure that the DSWD does its mission. He also has the trust and confidence of the President,” the DND chief stressed.

Earlier, Duterte’s pronouncement to appoint the Army commander as DSWD chief drew opposition from some sectors.