Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac (Photo from RTVM Facebook)
MANILA – The Commission on Appointments (CA) approved on Tuesday the ad interim appointment of Hans Leo Cacdac as secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Senator Grace Poe, during the plenary session, cited Cacdac's over 23 years of public service experience in the Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and until his designation as Undersecretary, and eventually as Officer-In-Charge, of the DMW.
"His most notable stints were being the Administrator of POEA and OWWA, serving and protecting the interest and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)," Poe said.
"His vast understanding of labor and migration policies, coupled with his passion for serving our kababayans (countrymen) here and abroad, is truly worthy of admiration by everyone in the service," she added.
Senator Joel Villanueva, who expressed his support to the appointment as co-sponsor, recalled how Cacdac ensured that OFWs receive needed assistance from the government during the pandemic.
"Naniniwala po tayo na si Sec. Hans ang pinaka-nararapat sa posisyong ito, bilang isang anak ng mga OFWs (We believe that Sec. Hans is the most deserving of this position, as a son of OFWs)," Villanueva said,
Cacdac's father was a World War II veteran who worked as a sound engineer, while his mother was a caregiver and daycare worker in the United States.
Dring the deliberations, Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel asked the panel to dismiss the oppositions by four individuals against Cacdac’s confirmation, citing them as baseless.
"I would like to move that these complaints or oppositors should not be allowed or rather should be disregarded and should not be allowed to attend this hearing anymore because of my premise that all of these allegations are baseless and unfounded," Pimentel said.
One of the oppositors said Cacdac, during his capacity as OWWA administrator, should be held accountable for causing the hardship of OFWs during the pandemic for the extended quarantine period.
Pimentel argued that the policy was imposed by the Task Force on Covid-19, not by Cacdac.
Another complainant was asking for accountability on the hacking incident in the digital system of the DMW, which Pimentel pointed out was beyond the control of Cacdac, as well as other government agencies that were also hacked.
The National Anti-Poverty Commission-Formal Labor and Migrant Workers Sectoral Council (NAPC-FLMWSC) welcomed the CA’s approval of Cacdac’s appointment as DMW chief.
FLMWSC Sectoral Representative Edwin Bustillos said Cacdac is a valuable addition to the Marcos administration’s Cabinet, citing the DMW chief’s extensive experience in labor and migration and expertise that would significantly advance the OFWs’ interests and welfare.
“In the face of global political turbulence and economic challenges, it is essential for the DMW chief to be adept at safeguarding and supporting our migrant workers,” Bustillos said during the CA confirmation hearing.
“Secretary Cacdac is exceptionally suited for this critical role, and we anticipate collaborating with him to strengthen the systems that govern overseas employment,” he added.
Bustillos said the Council is eager to discuss with Cacdac their priority sectoral agenda, including the reintegration of migrant workers into the local economy and the establishment of migrant help desks to better serve and support the OFW community. (PNA)
