Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 4) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is in a “better position” now than it was six months ago because of the efforts of Secretary Erwin Tulfo, the agency’s officer-in-charge Eduardo Punay said on Tuesday.
“A big part of that success was the able leadership of Secretary Erwin Tulfo, who has done a lot in the department even for a short period of time,” Punay said during the flag ceremony at the DSWD central office.
The Social Welfare Undersecretary also assured the public that the DSWD will continue to pursue the reforms and programs that Tulfo initiated.
“This is the perfect time to demonstrate the power of unity that the President is espousing. Together, we will stand and remain on track toward our ultimate goal to be the best-performing agency in the government,” Punay added.
The DSWD placed third among the best-performing agencies, according to an independent survey.
Punay was appointed OIC after the Commission on Appointments (CA) bypassed Tulfo for the second time in mid-December due to lack of time.
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Last November, the CA deferred Tulfo’s confirmation due to libel conviction and citizenship issue.
RELATED: CA panel defers DSWD Sec. Tulfo’s confirmation due to libel conviction, citizenship
During the deliberations, SAGIP Rep. Rodante Marcoleta brought up the report prepared by the CA that shows Tulfo was convicted of libel in a Pasay City court. Tulfo confirmed that he has been convicted for four counts of libel for his work as a columnist.
