By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Following his bypass in September by the Commission on Appointments (CA), Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has successfully secured approval from the influential commission.

During the Committee on Health hearing within the CA, Majority Leader Congressman Luis Raymond Villafuerte proposed a motion for the committee to endorse the ad interim appointment of Herbosa, which received unanimous approval from the members.

It is noteworthy that this marks Herbosa’s second appearance before the panel, as he was previously bypassed in September due to the extensive questioning by lawmakers and time constraints during the session break.

Promptly after being bypassed by the CA, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reappointed Herbosa.

Prior to granting approval for the Secretary’s ad interim appointment, lawmakers posed several inquiries, notably addressing the low utilization of DOH funds in the year 2022.

Ultimately, senators and congressmen declared their “manifestation of support” for Herbosa.

(ai/mnm)