The House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III on Tuesday elected lawyer Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil as Secretary General and retired Army Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Melchor Dela Cruz as Sergeant-at-Arms.
In a statement, Garafil said she will work closely with House officials and staff to ensure that “legislative processes are efficient, transparent and responsive” in support of the thrust of the House leadership to enact legislation that responds to the needs of Filipinos.
She called on her colleagues at the House Secretariat to uphold the dignity of the institution and “move forward with resolve and optimism” in contributing to the achievement of the country’s development aspirations.
Prior to her election as secretary general, Garafil served as the chairperson of the Board of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO). She was also a former Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
Garafil and Dela Cruz replaced Reginald Velasco and retired police Maj. Gen. Napoleon Taas, respectively. Dy administered their oaths of office in a ceremony at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
