Marcos reappoints Cacdac as head of the DMW after bypassing the CA

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reappointed Hans Leo Cacdac as interim secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) after being passed over by the Commission on Appointments (CA).

The Office of Presidential Communications said Saturday that Cacdac’s reappointment was included in the list of presidential nominations released by Malacañang on Friday and “demonstrates President Marcos’ continued confidence in this official.”

The second regular session of the 19th Congress was adjourned indefinitely on Thursday, prompting the CA to postpone the approval of Cacdac.

The CA – consisting of the President of the Senate serving as ex-officio presiding officer, 12 members of the Senate, and 12 members of the House of Representatives – is authorized to vet presidential nominees.

On Tuesday, Rep. Rodante Marcoleta of the SAGIP party filed a motion to suspend Cacdac’s nomination during the CA Labor Committee meeting due to lack of time.

Before CA questioned Cacdac’s leadership and opposed his nomination, two people came forward.

During a weekend press conference, newly elected Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero noted that Cacdac’s nomination was passed over and the president must reappoint him.

Lawmakers will reconvene on July 22 to begin the third regular session of Congress.

Marcos appointed Cacdac as interim DMW secretary in April this year, seven months after appointing him as department director in September 2023.

Cacdac was previously appointed as a DMW officer following the death of former secretary Susan “Toots” Ople last August.

Cacdac was undersecretary of the DMW; Executive Director of the 5th Foreign Workers Welfare Administration; Executive Director of the 5th Philippine Employment Administration; and Undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment.

He also served as deputy executive director of the 5th POEA; Executive Director of the 4th National Mediation Council for Reconciliation – DOLE; Director IV Office of Labor Relations-DOLE; and Assistant Lawyer and Coordinator of the Urban Poverty Unit of the Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal (SALIGAN) in the private sector.