By: Ben R. Rosario
Davao Oriental Rep. Joel Mayo Almario has said that he pushed but failed to secure the confirmation of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.
Almario, chairman of the Commission on Appointments Committee on Labor, Employment, and Social Welfare that handled the secret voting that sealed the fate of Taguiwalo, said she should have been confirmed as head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
According to the veteran lawmaker and Duterte ally, he voted for her appointment failed to turn the tide of rejection against the appointee of President Duterte.
Almario said his support failed to convince the 11 other members of the CA from the House of Representatives to confirm her.
“In my opinion, Judy Taguiwalo, for over a year as DSWD Secretary, has proven herself to be qualified for the position,” stated Almario.
Taguiwalo received a nearly unanimous rejection from the 12-man House contingent that she failed to get the needed 13 votes to uphold her confirmation as DSWD Secretary.
Almario said he was satisfied with what he heard about Taguiwalo’s opinion on national issues during the three CA interviews conducted on her. Among the topics raised during the hearings included tax reform, 4Ps anti-poverty program, the National Democratic Front, and the national ID system.