Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado named as new DPWH chief

Southern Leyte Representative Roger "Oging" Mercado was appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

A photo of Mercado taking his oath before Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea was posted by the lawmaker's son, Maasin Mayor Nacional Mercado.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque later confirmed the appointment of Mercado and Romando Artes as general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

"We are confident that Secretary Mercado and General Manager Artes will continue to oversee the completion of their department’s programs and projects in the remaining months of the current government," Roque said in a statement.

"We wish them all the best in their new assignments," he added. 

Mercado was the vice chairman of the House committee on public works and highways. He replaced Mark Villar who resigned last week to run for senator in the May 2022 national elections.

Artes, on the other hand, previously served as MMDA assistant general manager for finance and administration. He succeeded Jojo Garcia, who resigned in preparation for his congressional bid in Rizal province. —LDF/VBL, GMA News