MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police chief Camilo Cascolan yesterday took his oath as undersecretary of the Department of Health (DOH).
He was sworn into office by DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire.
“Specific assignment will be issued through a Department Personnel Order in the coming days,” the DOH said in a statement.
Since he has no medical background, a group of health care workers previously questioned the appointment of Cascolan.
The DOH, however, gave its full backing to the appointment of the former police chief, saying he is very qualified for the position.
Vergeire said Cascolan will be assigned to where he is fit and able to help the DOH.
She noted there are aspects in the agency that do not require medical background.
Cascolan was among those who crafted “Oplan Double Barrel,” which became the flagship program in the war against illegal drugs under the previous administration.