Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday said the Department of Health should always be a public health-led agency, stressing that heads of the agency should have expertise in the field.

"Like most of us, we would want to have someone who has qualifications, expertise, and is active in the public health sector," Hontiveros said.

"The DoH should and must always be a public health-led agency, especially as we continue to deal with Covid-19 and other burdens of disease," she added.

She made the remarks after the Health department confirmed the receipt of the appointment paper of former Philippine National Police chief Camilo Cascolan as its newest undersecretary.

The lawmaker said she was surprised with the appointment of Cascolan in the agency, however, she reiterated that she recognized the prerogative of the president to appoint individuals to office.

"Aside from considering him a friend and my mistah, I respect Gen. Cascolan as an officer and a gentleman. His stint at the PNP speaks for itself," Hontiveros said.

"We hope that the DoH will find suitable roles for Usec. Cascolan to further add value in addressing threats to public health security and safety in our communities," she added.

For his part, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III also said that he was surprised about Cascolan's appointment in the DoH.

In a separate statement, he said the announcement was a "big surprise to him," however he refused to elaborate on the reason.

Meanwhile, Senator Ronald "Bato" de la Rosa expressed his support for Cascolan's appointment, stressing that one does need to be a doctor to manage an organization.

"You do not need to be a doctor when managing an organization, right? When it comes to management, you cannot question his ability in terms of management," De la Rosa said.

He also said that he does not see any problem with Cascolan being an undersecretary of the Health department, adding that being an official in the agency does not necessarily mean that he would heal patients.

"I do not see any problem there. Does an appointment in the Department of Health mean you need to treat a sick person? It is not. I think they will be needing his managerial skills," he added.

Cascolan's appointment defended

Meanwhile, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, former Health secretary, said she doesn't see anything wrong with the appointment of Cascolan.

"We respect the Executive's decision to appoint a non-doctor in the Department of Health," Garin said. "Delivery of health services is not just about doctors and scientists working together," she affirmed.

Garin said the management skills of Cascolan have long been proven in his several years of untainted service.

"Quick and timely response during calamities as well as coordinated implementation of programs under a devolved health care, not to mention the gigantic task of logistics and planning, are important factors in DoH," said the House deputy majority leader.

"While scientists and doctors play very important roles, non-medical managers are likewise needed to put order and implement programs."

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