(Eagle News) — Senator Loren Legarda said she intends to finish her term as senator, possibly quashing rumors she would be the next Social Welfare secretary.
“I intend to finish my term as senator and serve as chair of finance, foreign relations and climate change committee,” she said in a statement.
Legarda’s term as senator ends in 2019.
According to Legarda, her foreign affairs committee was also going to be swamped as it works on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the European Union.
“Climate change and resilience are my focus too as I lead the Philippine delegation to the climate talks in Bonn,” Legarda added.
She noted that the post of Social Welfare secretary was “not directly offered to me.”
The Department of Social Welfare and Development is currently headed by Emmanuel Leyco, who was designated officer in charge.
President Rodrigo Duterte appointed him temporarily at the helm of the department after Judy Taguiwalo’s nomination as Social Welfare Secretary was rejected by the powerful Commission on Appointments.