Ex-newspaperman Edu Punay named DSWD OIC

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Undersecretary Eduardo Punay as officer-in-charge of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Office of the Press Secretary officer in charge Cheloy Garafil and Punay confirmed Marcos' latest appointment on Tuesday afternoon.

Punay's appointment as officer in charge of DSWD came after the Commission on Appointments deferred the deliberations on the ad interim appointment of Erwin Tulfo as secretary before Congress went on recess earlier this month.

Tulfo during the confirmation hearing was questioned about his US citizenship and a conviction for libel.

When asked if Tulfo will no longer be reappointed, Garafil told reporters that a separate announcement on the secretary would be made soon.

The DSWD in a statement welcomed the designation of Punay as its officer in charge for its continuous operations and services to the public.

"This is needed to ensure the continuous operations of the agency and that no activities will be derailed or hampered, especially now that we need to provide assistance to those affected by the weather disturbance in the country," the DSWD said. -NB, GMA Integrated News