The Commission on Appointments on Tuesday approved the interim appointment of Secretary Susan Ople to the Department of Migrant Workers, as well as that of Gamaliel Cordoba as chairperson of the Commission on Audit.

The daughter of the late foreign affairs and labor secretary Blas Ople used to head a non-government organization that assists overseas Filipino workers or OFWs.

"If, with your blessing, I'm confirmed today, this would mean strength and stability for our new department in serving our OFWs in a world of volatility, uncertainty and complexity," Ople said.

The DMW is a new department that focuses on the affairs and concerns of Filipino migrant workers.

Ople said among the issues they are focusing of late is settling the unpaid dues of 10,000 ex-OFWs who worked in Saudi Arabia.