Mar Roxas to take oath as DOTC chief Monday

Former senator Manuel “Mar" Roxas II will take his oath Monday as the secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), replacing Jose de Jesus, who resigned last month. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Roxas was supposed to assume office last July 1, but he could not take his oath then because he was out of the country. Roxas will be among the appointive officials who will take their oaths of office before President Benigno Aquino III at 9:30 a.m. at the President’s Hall in Malacañang Palace. Roxas, also a former Trade secretary, was Aquino’s running mate in the 2010 presidential elections. Valte said the appointments of Roxas’ deputies will be announced later.

Several DOTC undersecretaries and assistant secretaries have also resigned in support of De Jesus. Meanwhile, Valte also announced the appointments of the following:

Mag Cruz Hatol, Luis P. Gatmaitan, Carla M. Pacis, Cristina Lim Yuson, and Flor Marie Sta. Romana Cruz as members of the National Council for Children’s Television;

Jose P. Pepito Jr., Leonora C .del Fierro, Marie Grace Bernadette P. Chua, and Alberta Quinto as members of the National Consumer Affairs Council representing the consumers;

Walter Co and Bernido H. Liu as business and industry sector representatives in the National Consumer Affairs Council; and

Brenda B. Corpuz, Purita P. Bilbao, Amor Q. De Torres, and Gladys C. Nivera as members of the Teacher Education Council. — KBK, GMA News