Another former military official has joined the Duterte Cabinet.
President Duterte has formally designated Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II as the new Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The President signed the appointment paper of Honasan last November 20, replacing Secretary Eliseo Rio at the helm of the information and communication department. Honasan, a former rebel soldier, will still face the Commission on Appointments (CA) following his new Cabinet appointment.
“You are hereby nominated SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY,” the paper addressed to Honasan read.
“By virtue hereof, and upon consent of the Commission on Appointments, you may qualify and enter upon the performance of duties of the office, furnishing this Office and the Civil Service Commission with copies of your oath of office,” it added.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President has full trust and confidence in Honasan, citing his integrity and competence to lead the DICT department.
“Always the basis of the President is trust and confidence, and integrity… his competence,” he said in a Palace press briefing.
He said Honasan would still have to face the CA inquiry and address any concerns that may be raised about his appointment.
“When the President nominates, it’s for the Commission on Appointments to approve the nomination,” he said.
“It will be the Commission on Appointments. There will be vetting there… and you will have to respond to questions on his competence,” he said.
Malacañang earlier expressed confidence that Honasan could effectively lead the DICT and implement genuine reforms, especially following the entry of the third telecommunications player in the country.
The President earlier expressed his preference for former military and police officials in key government posts because they get the job done fast and without complaint.
“We are glad that Sen. Gregorio Honasan has accepted the offer of the President to join his official family and head the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT),” Panelo said. (Genalyn Kabiling)