DA chief to go on two-week medical leave
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. will go on medical leave for two weeks starting July 9, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said in a statement on Tuesday.
Tiu Laurel will undergo “a procedure he has deferred since beginning his public service career in November 2023,” it added.
The DA clarified that Tiu Laurel decided to make the announcement about his medical leave “to prevent any speculation about his impending prolonged absence from the activities of the DA.”
“Even while I’m abroad for my medical leave, I will continue to monitor developments on the ground. The work will continue,” Tiu Laurel said.
The DA did not specify the type of procedure he will undergo and in what country.
Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro will serve as the department’s officer in charge until Tiu Laurel resumes his duties on July 24, just in time for the President’s State of the Nation Address.
The DA chief was among the Cabinet members who submitted their courtesy resignations upon the orders of Mr. Marcos. The President, however, retained Tiu Laurel.
