Bernadette Romulo-Puyat takes oath as DOT secretary

Former Agriculture Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Monday officially joined the Cabinet of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Romulo-Puyat took her oath as secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) before Duterte in simple ceremonies held in Malacañang, which came hours after the President failed to vote in the barangay elections in his hometown Davao City.

According to a press release prepared by the Presidential News Desk, Romulo-Puyat was joined by her daughter and her parents during the oath-taking which was closed to media coverage.

“After the ceremony, President Duterte hosted a simple dinner for the newly appointed Tourism secretary and her family along with several guests at the President’s Hall,” the news release said.

Romulo-Puyat has been in public service since the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, where she served as a consultant under the Presidential Management Staff.

A daughter of former Senator Alberto Romulo, the new DOT chief had also served as Undersecretary for Special Concerns at the Department of Agriculture (DA) under former President Benigno Aquino III.

Prior to her current post, Puyat was the Undersecretary for Administration, Agribusiness and Marketing, and Regional Engagement, again at the DA under the Duterte administration.

Romulo-Puyat succeeded Wanda Teo, who resigned last week over conflict of interest allegations in connection with the controversial P60-million ad placement on her brother’s program on state-run PTV.

The new DOT chief said in media interviews that she was surprised when Duterte offered her the post during a meeting on rice situation in Malacañang on May 8, the same day Teo's resignation was announced.

She said the President told her not to engage in corrupt acts. Romulo-Puyat also promised to focus on sustainable tourism and farm tourism. 

Several senators hailed Romulo-Puyat's appointment, citing her academic credentials, competence, and integrity. — BAP, GMA News