Southern Leyte First District Rep. Roger Mercado has been formally sworn in as the new secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), following the resignation of Mark Villar who is running for senator in the 2022 elections.
Mercado, a native of Maasin City, took his oath before Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday after being appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for the trust and confidence given to my father,” said Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado, also thanking Senator Christopher “Bong” Go for his assistance.
Mercado, 70, will be filling the shoes of Villar in the implementation of the national government’s “Build, Build, Build” program in Duterte’s last seven months in office.
The solon served as vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Public Works and Highways and Deputy Majority Leader for Rules in the 18th Congress.
Mercado principally authored 67 House bills and co-authored 26 bills. He is a member of the Committees on Flagship Programs and Projects–, Trade and Industry, Agriculture and Food, Natural Resources, Persons with Disabilities, Energy, Public Order and Safety, and Tourism.
The brother of incumbent Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado, he previously served in the 8th, 9th, 10th, 13th, 14th, 15th, and 17th Congresses.