ADVOCATES for the welfare of the people were saddened over the decision of the Commission on Appointments (CA) to junk Judy Taguiwalo's appointment as a secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) nationwide.
Ryan Amper, Barug Katungod Mindanao spokesperson, said Taguiwalo being rejected as social welfare secretary is a big loss to the Filipinos, especially to the less fortunate.
He added that Taguiwalo was already perfect for the post.
"Everytime a leftist secretary is shed from the cabinet, mas lumalayo si President Rodrigo Duterte sa taong bayan, at nalalapit siya sa political accomodation and/or other political interest and electoral," Amper said in a phone interview.
Amper blamed the Duterte Administration for the rejection.
The President, on the other hand, has consistently said he respects the legislative as a separate and co-equal arm in government.
Rius Valle, Save Our Schools (SOS) Network spokesperson, also echoed Amper's reaction. He said Taguiwalo is a big loss to Filipino people.
He added that the elite and pro-pork barrel politicians' decision was already expected.
Valle described Taguiwalo's office as very open to the marginalized people, hearing request and recommendations on the grounds on how to provide relief and implement rehabilitation based on the needs of the community and people.
As a former professor of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, Valle said, Taguiwalo is a recognized advocate of the Lumad people's right to education, hence, she is one of the leading personalities in the SOS Network Mindanao.
"We are saddened and angered that the decision of the CA will affect how the government will service marginalized people. In her one year in office, she has given services to the Lumads, Moro and other marginalized groups," he said.
Valle said the SOS Network Mindnao greatly appreciate Taguiwalo's endless support and advocacies as seen through her frequent visits in the Lumad schools in Mindanao as DSWD secretary. She changed the role of a DSWD, he added.
"Her (Taguiwalo) rejection only shows that oligarchs-led supposed representatives of the people will bring anything except genuine change for the people," Valle said.
Valle said the challenge for the next appointee is how to continue or even surpass the changes brought by Taguiwalo to the agency, or the fight that she had with pork barrel politicians.
Meanwhile, the Center for Trade Union and Human Rights, released a statement saying, "This decision is also tantamount to rejecting the principle and belief that the true measure of genuine public service is having your heart beat, your mind think, hands and feet work for the poor and not on how much bootlicking praises you showered to those in power. It is only a reaffirmation that the elites, the capitalists and the militarists embedded in the governance system of the Philippines will never let an activist, a leftist activist they called, deliver what is due to the people, set a comparison that dangerously exposes the rottenness of the system."
Other local based progressive group denounces the decision of the CA to reject the appointment of Taguiwalo as DSWD secretary.
"To say that is very disappointing is putting it mildly. The powerful CA has done our country another disservice. July, in one brief shining year showed us how an agency like DSWD, wrecked with abuse and scandalous controversies, can recover and truly serve the people," said former Gabriela representative Luz Ilagan.
Ilagan said that she cannot find anyone else fitting to replace Taguiwalo.
"Kulang na kulang ang (There is really a lack of) progressives who can give the high caliber service. Wala akong maisip (I can't think of anybody), the good ones do not want to join government service," she added.
Bayan-Southern Mindanao Region Secretary General Sheena Duazo also lamented over the decision.
"Ka Judy is a symbol of a leader who came from the mass movement-pro poor, hindi korap, may malasakit, masipag at may paninindigan na hindi nabibili (uncorrupt, sympathizing, hardworking and has dignity that can't be bought). The CA can’t even cite their basis of rejecting Ka Judy. This will only reflect that this government does not want genuine change in DSWD," Duazo said.
Duazo said Taguiwalao will continue to serve the people along with the progressive groups. She added that they will also continue to fight against corruption and anti people policies in the government.
Bayan Muna Partylist Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate was equally dismayed.
"The Duterte administration will be losing a very competent and dedicated DSWD secretary with this rejection and the majority of the people catered to by the DSWD would be the ones to suffer," Zarate said.
"Kung competence at integrity lang ang pamantayan para maconfirm ng CA ay matagal ng naconfirm si Sec. Judy pero mukhang may ibang gusto pa ang mga miyembro ng CA (Secretary Judy would have been confirmed if the standards were based on competence and integrity, but it seems the CA has other plans)," he added.
The Gabriela Partylist said they “strongly deplore” the decision of the CA.
“The CA once more shamefully reveals its bias against the poor in rejecting Taguiwalo, consequently putting an end to the competent, honest and efficient service that Taguiwalo has offered to the people during her stint,” they said.
The women lawmakers said the government lost a “stellar and exemplary public servant in letting her go.”
“Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, a staunch defender of women and people’s rights, has indeed served the people well,” Gabriela said.
The group also challenged the CA members to own up to their votes and disclose their reason for thumbing down Taguiwalo’s appointment.
“Many members of the CA chose to hide behind the rule of voting with a secret ballot. We challenge them to reveal their votes and their reasons for rejecting Taguiwalo,” they said.
Meanwhile, Davao City Social Services and Development social worker Norman Baloro would rather play it safe and say that he respects the decision made by the CA simply because it is within its power to do so.
"I hope their decisions made were based on the qualifications and standards set by the committee and it was objectively assessed and evaluated without any prejudice," Baloro said.
The CA rejected Taguiwalo as social welfare secretary on Wednesday, August 16,. The members of the commission reached the decision in an executive session right after a two-hour hearing. Taguiwalo is expected to vacate her post immediately. (With VoxPop Philippines)