Vacancies in four AFP highchairs

AFTER 122 days since he ascended to the highest position of the land and amid the food crisis gripping the country, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues to hold the Department of Agriculture (DA) portfolio. Despite the distressed pleas of many quarters to designate an Agriculture secretary who has the technical expertise, time and focus essential to the job, he remains nonchalant. Notwithstanding a similarly strong recommendation from Sen. Imee Marcos, President Marcos argues that the problems at the DA are so deep-seated that it would take a president to solve them. That is a valid exercise of the prerogatives of a chief executive.

Over the same period, despite the lingering Covid-19 pandemic and calls from health workers, the Department of Health (DoH) continues to discharge its functions through an officer in charge (OIC). Rumors have it that there were no takers from among few "secretariables" who were offered the post due to the enormous risks and mammoth responsibilities that come with a "thankless" job. Health undersecretary and OIC Rosario Vergeire was candid to admit that she is adamant to take the DoH portfolio, but it was not offered to her. President Marcos has committed to appoint a regular secretary when the health emergency is over. That is a valid use of a president's judgment.