Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 23) — Presidential adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. confirmed that his appointment in the Department of National Defense (DND) is just as senior undersecretary and officer-in-charge — similar to the position of resigned defense chief Jose Faustino Jr.

Galvez said the Office of the President gave him such a designation so he will no longer need to hurdle the Commission on Appointments.

But the defense chief emphasized that the title is not important for as long as he holds the top-most position in the DND.

“It doesn’t matter,” he added, referring to the position. “Ang importante (What’s important), we put leadership in DND so that it will be seamless and stable.”

On Jan. 9, Presidential Communications Office OIC Cheloy Garafil confirmed that Faustino resigned from his post as DND chief, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. offered Galvez the DND position.

READ: Galvez accepts appointment as Defense secretary

The new DND senior undersecretary is a former military chief-of-staff and also the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

He also served as the vaccine czar during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, under former president Rodrigo Duterte.

READ: Senate to conduct probe on non-disclosure of vaccine procurement contracts