The President of the Republic of the Philippines, Pres. Benigno Simeon Aquino III has signed the memorandum Order No. 62 creating a Cabinet-level rehabilitation czar post for former PNP chief and Senator Panfilo Lacson as announced by Malacañang on Tuesday, December 10.
The announcement was made during a press conference conducted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. who said that the Office of the Executive Secretary has released the appointment papers of Lacson as Presidential (–foul word(s) removed–)istant for Rehabilitation and Recovery with Cabinet rank.
The Memorandum Order No. 62 signed by the President defines the functions of Lacson’s position as a member of the cabinet of President Aquino. The Memorandum Order was signed by the President on December 6 while the appointment papers were transmitted on December 9, 2013.
The PCO Head Herminio Coloma Jr. was quoted as saying during the press conference “The Office of the Executive Secretary has released the appointment papers of former Senator Panfilo Lacson as Presidential (–foul word(s) removed–)istant for Rehabilitation and Recovery with Cabinet rank, as well as Memorandum Order 62 providing for the functions of the Presidential (–foul word(s) removed–)istant for Rehabilitation and Recovery,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. said.
“As presidential (–foul word(s) removed–)istant, Secretary Lacson shall ‘act as the overall manager and coordinator of rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction efforts of government departments, agencies and instrumentalities in the affected areas, including Samar, Leyte, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Ilo-ilo and Palawan where typhoon Yolanda wrought widespread destruction, substantial damage and death,” Coloma said.
According to a news report from PhilStar aside from Lacson, Coloma said that Aquino has also appointed Danilo Antonio as an Undersecretary in the Office of the President. Coloma added that former Senator Panfilo Lacson recommended Antonio to (–foul word(s) removed–)ist him in the rehabilitation efforts.