PCO chief Garafil breezes through CA confirmation

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Appointments (CA) yesterday confirmed Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil as head of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in speedy proceedings as members of the constitutional body found her highly qualified for the post.

The confirmation hearing on Garafil’s nomination took only minutes as lawmakers cited her qualifications and experience as a journalist, public prosecutor and staff of both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who chairs the CA, described the PCO chief as hardworking, humble and low-key as he cited her good working relations with members of the media.

Sen. Grace Poe asked how Garafil, who was formerly the chief of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, managed to calm down striking jeepney drivers and operators in a recent dialogue when she was already at the PCO.

Garafil said she listened and assured them that their concerns on the jeepney modernization program would be seriously considered.

Asked by Sen. Risa Hontiveros about her programs to fight fake news, the PCO chief said her office would not tolerate any form of misinformation.

“We really abhor fake news. In fact, in the past several days, the PCO and some members of Office of the President have been experiencing fake news,” Garafil said partly in Filipino.

She added the PCO would launch a media literacy campaign to educate the public in detecting fake news.

Negros Oriental Rep. Manuel Sagarbarria, who sponsored Garafil’s confirmation in the CA plenary, described her as an “eloquent and well-seasoned lawyer” after her stints at the Department of Justice and the Office of the Solicitor General.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, who also sponsored her confirmation, said that with Garafil at the helm of the PCO, she expects a more transparent and accountable government.

Cavite 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla and Pangasinan 5th District Rep. Ramon Guico also sponsored Garafil’s confirmation, saying the body made the “right decision” in agreeing to confirm her appointment to the PCO.

The CA also confirmed lawyer and diplomat Manuel Antonio Teehankee as the country’s representative to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

The body, however, deferred action for the third time on the nomination of Bienvenido Tejano as ambassador to Papua New Guinea following several opposition to his appointment.

Facts only

In her opening message during the CA hearing, Garafil vowed to ensure that the PCO would disseminate only facts.

“I know that serving as PCO secretary will be a tough endeavor. In a time when information is readily available at the click of a finger, there is also proliferation of fake news,” she said.

“We, at the PCO, have to make sure and likewise watch ourselves to ensure that we only share facts and truth,” she added.

For the PCO chief, it was an honor to be invited by President Marcos to join his Cabinet.

“When President Marcos called me to become part of the PCO, I did not think twice. As a former journalist and public relations practitioner, I know how important the role of the PCO is in ensuring that the right information about the programs and policies of the government reaches the public,” Garafil said.

She added that five months into her stint as officer-in-charge secretary of the PCO, the agency has undergone changes, including a reorganization aimed at streamlining the entities under the OP that are involved in information dissemination. – Alexis Romero