OATH-TAKING. Roger Mercado takes his oath as newly-appointed Acting Secretary of Public Works and Highways before Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Wednesday (Oct. 13, 2021) in Malacañang. He resigned as Southern Leyte representative to replace Mark Villar, who resigned to run as a senatorial candidate. (Photo courtesy of Nacional Mercado)
TACLOBAN CITY – Local officials in Southern Leyte province have congratulated Rep. Roger Mercado on his appointment as the new Acting Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado said he is proud of his brother’s latest achievement.
“We wish you the best as you continue to serve the Filipino people in your new capacity as Cabinet Secretary,” Damian said in a Facebook post on Thursday.
Roger’s son, Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado is confident that his father will be able to continue the Build, Build, Build Program of the Duterte administration started by Secretary Mark Villar.
“Thank you Mr. President for the trust and confidence given to my father, to everyone we hope we made all you guys proud as a Southern Leyteño. Thank you very much for all the love and support bestowed to my father,” Nacional said in a Facebook post late Wednesday.
Roger took his oath before Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Wednesday, after President Duterte appointed him on Oct. 12 as acting secretary of the department, replacing Villar, who left his post to join the 2022 senatorial race.
With his appointment, Mercado abandoned his re-election bid as congressman of Southern Leyte’s first district. His wife, Luz, is said to be his substitute.
During his stint as a lawmaker, Mercado principally authored 66 measures and co-authored 26. He serves as vice-chairperson of the House committee on public works and highways.
He started his political career as an assemblyman from 1983 to 1986.
He previously served in Congress from 1987 to 1998, 2004 to 2013, and from 2016 until he is appointed cabinet official on Oct. 13, 2021.
He was also the governor of the province from 2013 to 2016. (PNA)
