(Update) Arroyo names OWWA chief as new Labor head

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday appointed Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Marianito Roque as acting Labor secretary to replace Arturo Brion who took his oath as Associate Supreme Court Justice.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said Roque would eventually become full-fledged labor secretary because Malacanang intends to submit his appointment papers to the Commission on Appointments for confirmation when Congress resumes session.

Roque has been with the OWWA since September 2004.

Brion, the 15th member of the High Court, is expected to be the tiebreaker in the pending case filed by acting Higher Education chair Romulo Neri before the Supreme Court on his appearance before the Senate hearing on the broadband controversy.

Bunye said Brion is “a man of proven integrity and independence," as shown during his stint at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Court of Appeals and Department of Labor and Employment.

“In all of these positions, Justice Brion has acted fairly and with an eye towards defending the rights and welfare of our migrant workers and Filipino labor. He is a welcome addition to the highest tribunal of the land," he said.

He dismissed rumors that Brion would tilt the balance in the SC decision on Neri's case in government's favor, saying many of the SC justices who have been appointed by the President have “always acted with impartiality and in accordance with law."

“I believe this will be followed by Secretary Brion and all other subsequent appointees of the President," he said. - GMANews.TV

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