“DSWD Sec. Judy M. Taguiwalo’s firm stance against corruption in government is  directly aligned with that of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s.  She feels just as strongly about it and takes a very principled stand against it.”

This was one of the statements of DSWD Assistant Secretary Lorraine T. Badoy in a recent interview with DZRH regarding the suspension of the confirmation hearing of Sec. Taguiwalo.

Earlier last week, Sec. Taguiwalo was supposed to face the Commission on Appointments (CA) for the continuation of her confirmation hearing, however, due to lack of material time, the CA decided to postpone the deliberations for her confirmation.

Asec. Badoy reiterated her support to the social welfare chief and called her a “Babaeng Digong” or the female version of Pres. Duterte because of their similar anti-corruption stance and compassionate service for the poor and marginalized.

“Kaya ko gusto si Secretary Taguiwalo maging kalihim ng DSWD kasi she is very principled. Klaro sa kanya ang kanyang paninindigan laban sa kurapsyon. Di lang siya hanggang salita kasi iyan ang buhay niya, ‘yan ang track record niya. Talagang nilabanan niya ‘yan at hanggang ngayon lalabanan niya ‘yan. Kung anong pera ang para sa mahirap talagang sa mahirap mapupunta ‘yan pag siya ang kalihim natin (The reason why I like Secretary Taguiwalo as the head of DSWD is because she is very principled. She has a clear stand against corruption which is visible throughout her whole life. She fought against it and is still fighting against it. The money meant for the poor will surely be given to the poor if she remains as the social welfare chief),” asserted Asec. Badoy.

Aside from her declaration of support for Sec. Taguiwalo, Asec. Badoy also explained that she fully understands the duty of the CA and its mandate to ensure the efficient and harmonious functioning of the government despite the thousands of supporters who gave their expression of support for the immediate confirmation of the Secretary.

“Kailangan bantayan ang lipunan at ang bansa natin kaya naiitindihan ko ang Commission on Appointments. Importante sila sa isang gobyerno na may checks and balances (We need to safeguard the society and our country which is why I understand the duty of the Commission on Appointments. They are important in the maintenance of a check and balance system in the government),” Asec. Badoy explained.

In the meantime, the assistant secretary encouraged all of Sec. Taguiwalo’s supporters to exercise their rights to be heard by reaching out to the CA members and other influential legislators.

“Demokrasya tayo. We get to call it. Kung gusto mong marinig ang boses mo, kailangan malakas ang boses mo, manindigan ka ng klaro, sumugal ka para sa bayan mo (We are a democratic country. We get to call it. If you want your voice to be heard, you need to speak loudly, clearly, firmly: you need to stand your ground, you need to take a risk for your country),” she said.

Lastly, she said, “Ang swerte ng bayan na ang Pangulong Duterte ay nagtalaga ng isang kalihim na katulad ni Judy Taguiwalo para sa DSWD na buong buhay niya ay inilaan niya para sa mahihirap. Ang puso niya, isip niya, kaluluwa niya, lahat ibinigay niya para sa kanila (It is really fortunate that President Duterte appointed Judy Taguiwalo in DSWD who has devoted her whole life for the poor. Her heart, mind, soul, and everything that she has, she uses all of them to serve the poor).” ###