Legarda open to DSWD post

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda on Monday admitted that she is open to taking over the Department of Social Welfare and Development when her term ends in 2019.

The senator remained mum when asked if President Rodrigo Duterte offered her a Cabinet post.

"Can I say that I am thinking about it?" Legarda told ANC's Headstart.

Legarda, however, said she would like to exercise "strong oversight functions" over a government agency that is "very important" and "takes care of the needs of our people."

The senator added that she appreciates the opportunity of being able to serve as chairman of the Senate finance committee.

She plans to head the committee until the end of her term and finish the 2019 budget which is due next year.

"I think that the president hopefully appreciates the work we do, not just myself, but the whole Senate," Legarda said.

In August, the Congressional Commission on Appointments voted against the confirmation of former DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, more than a year after Duterte appointed her.

Taguiwalo was among the nominees of the National Democratic Front as one of the leftist representatives to Duterte's Cabinet.

DSWD Undersecretary Emmanuel Leyco has been appointed as officer-in-charge of the agency following the rejection of Taguiwalo's appointment.

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