Nograles vows to push for regional dev’t as CabSec

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Monday confirmed Nograles’ appointment as the new Cabinet Secretary, saying the latter “enjoys the trust and confidence” of the President. (File Photo: Karlo Nograles/Facebook)

MANILA — Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles on Monday said he is thankful to President Rodrigo Duterte for the opportunity to serve in the President’s Cabinet, as he vowed to push for the administration’s development agenda especially in the regions.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Monday confirmed Nograles’ appointment as the new Cabinet Secretary, saying the latter “enjoys the trust and confidence” of the President.

“I thank President Duterte for welcoming me to his Cabinet. As a fellow Mindanaoan and kapwa probinsyano, I hope to contribute to government efforts to bring development to the regions through different programs that place an emphasis on providing more economic opportunities outside Metro Manila,” Nograles said in a statement.

Nograles, who chaired the powerful House appropriations committee, said his experience would provide a “holistic perspective” needed for his new post.

“As appropriations chair, one has to be familiar with the financial resources of the government’s different agencies, as well as have a general idea of their main thrusts and major programs,” he said.

“This knowledge and experience I believe I can put to good use in my new position. And with the guidance and input of the senior officials in the Cabinet, like Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez, I hope to hit the ground running and do whatever I can to help the President,” he added.

Under Executive Order (EO) 67, the Cabinet Secretary shall head the Cabinet Secretariat, which shall serve as the “head secretariat” of the different Cabinet Cluster secretariats.

EO 67 states that the Cabinet Secretariat shall have the function of assisting the President in the establishment of agenda topics for Cabinet deliberation or facilitate the discussion of cabinet meetings.

Leoncio Evasco Jr. stepped down as Cabinet Secretary to run for Bohol governor in the 2019 mid-term polls.

Prior to his appointment, Nograles was serving his third and last term as congressman. He authored landmark labor laws, such as The Green Jobs Act, JobStart Philippines Act, and a law strengthening the operations of the National Labor Relations Commissions.

He also authored the Free Higher Education Law and the Free Irrigation Law.