No more release of appointment papers: Palace

In a virtual press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the new policy made by the Office of the Executive Secretary is to just confirm the appointments of the presidential appointees. (PCOO file photo)

MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday announced that it would no longer release the appointment papers of President Rodrigo Duterte’s new appointees.

In a virtual press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the new policy made by the Office of the Executive Secretary is to just confirm the appointments of the presidential appointees.

“Apparently, it’s the Executive Secretary (Salvador Medialdea) who said that it’s enough to confirm appointments. We don’t have to post appointment papers,” Roque said.

The Palace usually releases either a copy of the appointment papers or a list of Duterte’s appointees.

From now on, Malacañang would let the appointed officials post their appointment papers “if they want,” Roque said.He said retaining the policy to release appointment papers would be up to Medialdea.

“I’ll ask the Executive Secretary,” Roque said.

His statement came after newly-installed Philippine Health Corp. (PhilHealth) president and chief executive officer Dante Gierran said he has yet to receive his appointment paper.

Roque said there might only be a delay in releasing Gierran’s appointment paper.

“I believe he (Gierran) has (an appointment paper) because no less than the President announced it. If hindi nakakarating sa kaniya, siguro time lag lang iyan (If he has not received it, maybe there’s just a time lag),” he said.