New DPWH chief, MMDA general manager named

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have new officials.

Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado has been appointed DPWH secretary, replacing Mark Villar, who resigned from the post to run for senator in the May 2022 elections.

Malacañang announced yesterday the appoinment of Mercado as well as Romando Artes, who was named general manager of the MMDA.

“We are confident that Public Works Secretary (Roger) Mercado and MMDA general manager Artes will continue to oversee the completion of their departments’ programs in the remaining months of the Duterte administration,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement. “We wish them all the best in their new posts.”

Artes, a lawyer, replaced Jojo Garcia, who left the MMDA post to seek a congressional seat.

Artes previously served as MMDA assistant general manager for finance and administration before he assumed the post.

He was also co-chairman of the Metro Manila Film Festival, which is being supervised by the MMDA.

Garcia officially resigned from the MMDA on Oct. 4. The next day, he filed his cerficate of candidacy for congressman of Rizal’s 3rd District. – Edu Punay, Alexis Romero