Rody names DICT acting chief

President Duterte has designated Eliseo Mijares Rio Jr. as acting secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the agency he served for a few months as officer-incharge.

Rio is not new to the department, having served as undersecretary before he was named OIC. He replaces former DICT secretary Rodolfo Salalima who was removed from his post over some internal concerns.

Duterte also appointed Virginia Nazarrea Orogo as acting Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary, formally replacing Judy Taguiwalo whose ad interim appointed was rejected by the Commission on Appointments last year.

The move eased out Emmanuel Leyco, who served as the department’s OIC. He said he was happy to turn over the helm of the department to his fellow undersecretary. In a phone interview, he added that he has always been conscious of the fact that he was serving as OIC while President Duterte considered the choices for the top post.

“We expected that. As far as I’m concerned, I welcome it,” Leyco told The STAR. Asked about the President’s appointment of numerous undersecretaries to the DSWD, already eight including former Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno who was named just the other day, Leyco said it was Duterte’s prerogative.

“The President appointed nine and the department has a huge mandate. We have a huge, a heavy mandate to provide services to the people,” he added.

Malacañang also released yesterday the appointment papers of Rolando Ampunin as member, representing the national government, of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority board. He will serve a term of six years, replacing Benny Antiporda.

Benshing Macarambon Jr. was also appointed as member, representing the business and investment sectors, for a term expiring on Dec. 22. He will replace Stefani Sano.