MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte has appointed former Social Security System (SSS) Commissioner Jose Gabriel “Pompee” La Viña as Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism.
La Viña’s appointment paper, which was sent to media on Wednesday, was signed on April 24.
Last February, it was announced that Duterte decided not to renew La Viña’s appointment as SSS Commissioner. He had been serving in the SSS in a hold-over capacity.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque was mum when sought for a comment but noted that La Viña’s appointment was “presidential prerogative.”
Roque, meanwhile, reminded all public officials that Duterte “will not tolerate even a whiff of corruption.”
“Let this be a reminder to all public officials that the President is serious in curbing corruption and has strong resolve to promote good governance,” Roque said.
La Viña was Duterte’s social media director during the 2016 elections. (PNA)
