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 (CA) bypassed his confirmation, the Palace announced on Saturday (25 May 2024).

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) expressed that Cacdac’s reappointment reflects the President’s continued trust and confidence in him as the migrant workers’ secretary.

On Friday, Malacañang released a list of presidential appointees, including Cacdac.

The Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress adjourned sine die on Thursday, which led to the CA deferring Cacdac’s confirmation. SAGIP Representative Rodante Marcoleta filed a motion to suspend Cacdac’s appointment during the CA committee on labor hearing due to a lack of time.

Cacdac acknowledged the CA members’ decision, stating that he defers to their wisdom and looks forward to having more time for consideration and deliberation on his appointment.

“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.

President Marcos initially appointed Cacdac as ad interim Secretary of the DMW on April 25, following the passing of Susan “Toots” Ople in August last year.

Before his ad interim appointment, Cacdac held several key positions including 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.

(el Amigo/MNM)