President Duterte has appointed Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) Abdullah Mama-o as the first secretary of the newly created Department of Migrant Workers (DOMW), Malacañang announced.
In a statement, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar confirmed Mama-o's appointment and wished him success in his new post.
"The Palace congratulates Mr. Abdullah Derupong Mama-o on his appointment as Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers," he said Wednesday, March 9.
"We wish Secretary Mama-o success in the Department of Migrant Workers," he added.
According to Andanar, Mama-o's experience and qualifications in labor and diplomatic negotiations, among others, as the Presidential Adviser on OFW concerns, will be invaluable to his new position and Filipino migrant workers.
"The safety, security, and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers have ever since been foremost in the mind of President Duterte and his administration," he said.
Aside from Mama-o, Andanar said President Duterte has named PDP-Laban Secretary-General and lawyer Melvin Matibag acting Cabinet Secretary.
"Atty. Matibag has proven his managerial capabilities and qualifications throughout the positions he has held in various institutions," he said.
"His experiences and competence will be vital to the remaining three months of the Duterte administration, such as in ensuring that President Duterte's policies and programs are efficiently managed," he added.
Matibag replaced Karlo Nograles who was appointed as the new chairman of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) early this week.
Matibag shared with the media a photo of him taking his oath as the new Cabinet Secretary before Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Wednesday, March 9.
He is the third Cabinet Secretary under the Duterte administration.
Meanwhile, the acting Palace spokesman also confirmed Anderson Lo's appointment as Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao.
"We wish Deputy Ombudsman Lo success as we assure him of the Executive's support in the Office of the Ombudsman's drive towards good governance in the public sector," Andanar said.
Before this appointment, Lo was an undersecretary at Malacañang's Presidential Management Staff (PMS).