Former representative Joseph Emilio Abaya of Cavite province took his oath as secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communication.

Former Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy director general Arturo Cacdac Jr., the new head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), also took His oath before President Benigno Aquino 3rd on Thursday. It was his second oath-taking, since he was also sworn in earlier by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa.

Palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda said that Cacdac had to take his oath on Wednesday so that he could assume office immediately. Yesterday’s oath taking was merely ceremonial, according to Lacierda.

Cacdac replaced Jose Gutierrez Jr. who resigned.

Lacierda said that the President ordered Cacdac to continue the fight against the trafficking of illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, Abaya replaced Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd, who was appointed secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

The appointment of Abaya, the former chairman of the House committee on appropriations, was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments on September 19.

Coordination
The PDEA gave Cacdac a warm welcome on Thursday.

The former police official vowed to unify efforts to stamp out drug trafficking.

“One of my priorities upon assuming the helm of PDEA’s leadership is to coordinate with other drug law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Customs, the PNP and even the Armed Forces of the Philippines to unify efforts in battling the drug menace,” Cacdac said.

“We need to help each other. What I feel is the need for a holistic approach to counter the drug problem. We need more consultations, coordination and cooperation to find solutions to problems related to drugs,” he added.