STATEMENT OF LP PRESIDENT SEN. FRANCIS PANGILINAN ON NEW CABINET APPOINTMENTS

Public office is public service that needs competence, integrity, and passion. All government offices are integral to the success or failure of government, as well as the Filipino people.

On Mocha Uson's appointment to the Presidential Communications Operations Office, many, including government workers doing critical work for lower pay who have been contractual for a long time, feel slighted. We share their sentiment. Uson also looks down on Philippine media practitioners as chroniclers of the nation's story. In March this year, without provocation, she used her radio program to bash Liberal Party chairperson Vice President Leni Robredo, calling her names and disrespecting her person, her office, and the millions who voted for her.

The installation of military men in the bureaucracy could also be a portent, and is a cause of concern. First, former military chief of staff retired Gen. Roy Cimatu was appointed to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Now current military chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Ano will take over the helm of a civilian agency, the Department of Interior and Local Government, after he retires in October. Do these appointments mean the militarization of the government bureaucracy?

The success of government is the success of the nation. We wish the new Cabinet officials good luck as we keep vigilant watch.