Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo continued to express gratitude to supporters from different people’s organizations who held a support rally for her confirmation this morning in the senate.

The rally was led by different groups such as Agham; Kalikasan-PNE; Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT); Liga ng Mga May Kapansanan; Gabriela; Bayan Muna; and, the  Social Welfare Employees Association (SWEAP) of the Philippines,  the union of DSWD employees.

Today is the first time Sec. Taguiwalo was questioned by members of the Commission on Appointments (CA) who have previously bypassed her twice. Today, senators Tito Sotto, Loren Legarda, Franklin Drilon, Panfilo Lacson were among those who asked her questions regarding her connections with the Left, the DSWD’s programs available for recovering ex-drug dependents, and the conditional cash transfer scheme.

Sec. Taguiwalo answered the questions with honesty and candor, and thanked the Committee members for giving her the opportunity to clarify matters concerning the DSWD’s programs and services.

“I serve at the pleasure of the president. The Filipino people have seen the kind of leadership I have in the DSWD and how we work hard to help as many people as possible within the parameters of the agency’s mandate, capabilities, and means. These are all in keeping with Pres. Duterte’s orders — to ensure zero corruption, and to help the poorest of the poor as soon as possible,” she said.

Sec. Taguiwalo said that as Pres. Duterte’s alter ego in the DSWD, she will continue to implement the instructions of the president to the letter.

“The members of the Commission on Appointments are welcome to ask us all the questions they want on how the DSWD runs its programs. We also invite them to help us improve our system of managing our disaster response system by coming with us to see the communities we are helping cope with the aftermath of calamities,” she said.#