MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed the son of one of the largest Catholic lay groups in the Philippines as second in command of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda). A list of appointees released by Malacanang on Friday (July 19) showed the designation of Mariano Michael Velarde Jr., son of El Shaddai founder Bro. Mike Velarde, as deputy Tesda director general. Tesda used to be headed by the son of another religious group leader, now Sen. Joel Villanueva, son of Jesus Is Lord founder Eddie Villanueva. The younger Velarde, who had represented the El Shaddai-backed party-list group Buhay, was appointed last July 10, according to the Palace list.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 19, 2019 09:33 UTC