The ad interim appointment of Ted Herbosa as the Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) was bypassed technically by the Commission on Appointments (CA) on Tuesday, September 26.
In an interview with the media, Camarines Sur Rep. and CA Majority Floor Leader LRay Villafuerte said he moved to suspend the hearing on Herbosa's appointment due to "lack of material time."
"First, we have to go back to the House at 3 PM. Secondly, the Senate has to start the plenary session on time. We have 2 sessions left, today and tomorrow. It's basically a lack of material time," he explained.
Villafuerte said no CA members have expressed opposition against the DOH Secretary.
"Definitely suspend[ed]. We don't want to.... kasi kapag deferred, may mga major issues. So far, wala naman issues," he said.
According to the House lawmaker, four CA members had wished to interrogate Herbosa.
"He was able to answer the questions. But of course, a lot of members also want to ask more policy questions,"
Villafuerte said since the CA failed to confirm Herbosa's appointment, he must be reappointed by President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.
In June this year, Marcos Jr. named Herbosa as Health Secretary.
