BAGUIO CITY — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Tuesday that he is expecting to secure his reappointment as chairman of the Civil Service Commission within two weeks.

In a press briefing at the Mansion House here, Duque said that while waiting for his reappointment, he still remains as the health secretary to ensure the DoH's readiness for health-related concerns this New Year.

Duque was appointed last month, but the Commission on Appointments (CA) has yet to confirm his appointment.

"We are expecting in a week or two. Tapusin ko muna ang pamunuan pagsalubong ng Bagong Taon. (I will finish first my job as DoH chief to attend to New Year health-related concerns),” he said.

Asked if he is confident that his appointment would breeze through the CA, he said: "I'm not confident. I'll just answer questions they will ask of me."

He said that it is not a requirement for him to be a lawyer before assuming the post, noting that in the past, some of the CSC chairmen, including former Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Thomas and Cora Alma de Leon are not lawyers by profession.

He made such pronouncement after some quarters said that a qualified CSC chairman should be a lawyer.

Secretary Esperanza Cabral of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Philhealth chief Rey Aquino are among those being eyed to replace Duque as health chief.

"I heard those names myself unless the President has made the announcement. These are mere speculations," Duque said.

He also took opportunity to endorse his colleague in the DoH, Undersecretary Mario Villaverde, who he said is "very dedicated and a homegrown" DoH official.