LAWMAKERS associated with the leftist movement on Wednesday said they were “outraged” by the Commission on Appointments' (CA) decision to reject Judy Taguiwalo as Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary.
In a statement, Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate said the Duterte administration will be “losing a very competent and dedicated secretary” with Taguiwalo’s rejection.
"Kung competence at integrity lang ang pamantayan para ma-confirm ng CA ay matagal ng naconfirm si Secretary Judy,” he said.
Taguiwalo faced the powerful body on Wednesday in a bid to secure her appointment as social welfare secretary. However, she failed to get the nod of the CA members, who did not cite the reason for their decision.
Zarate said the majority of the people catered to by the DSWD “would be the ones to suffer.”
“Talo ang mahihirap at mamamayan sa nangyari at tuwang-tuwa ang mga ganid sa pork barrel," said Zarate.
Meanwhile, Gabriela Partylist said they “strongly deplore” the decision of the CA.
“The CA once more shamefully reveals its bias against the poor in rejecting Taguiwalo, consequently putting an end to the competent, honest and efficient service that Taguiwalo has offered to the people during her stint,” they said.
The women lawmakers said the government lost a “stellar and exemplary public servant in letting her go.”
“Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, a staunch defender of women and people’s rights, has indeed served the people well,” Gabriela said.
The group also challenged the CA members to own up to their votes and disclose their reason for thumbing down Taguiwalo’s appointment.
“[M]any members of the CA chose to hide behind the rule of voting with a secret ballot. We challenge them to reveal their votes and their reasons for rejecting Taguiwalo,” they said. (SunStar Philippines)