In a pre-recorded public address on Thursday, January 6, President Rodrigo Duterte stated that he will no longer appoint “outsiders” in government posts.

“My policy is I do not take outsiders anymore. Kung sino yung second in command diyan sa opisina, departamento na ‘yan, siya ang aakyat,” he said.

The president’s statement has been made two days after Eric Domingo’s resignation as Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General last Monday. 

“No more outsiders para mas madali. May alam na talaga – those working permanently there,” he added, stating that should any of his appointees resign, he would assign the official who is second highest in rank to take over.

In February 2020, Duterte appointed Domingo as director general of the FDA.

Since then, Domingo has been one of the officials responding to the impacts of the COVID-19. The FDA establishes safety or efficacy standards and quality measures for foods, drugs and devices and cosmetics and other health products, as well as holding accountability for the approval of the vaccines’ emergency use authorization. 

FDA Deputy Director General Dr. Oscar Gutierrez, Chief of Policy Formulation and Program Division was designated as Officer-in-Charge of Policy Planning Service (PPS).

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