27/04/2026
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Former Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Gloria J. Mercado has been appointed Commissioner for Cluster 4 of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), according to an official announcement.
Mercado took her oath alongside newly appointed commissioners Camilo G. Gudmalin and Leo L. Intia, as part of the agencyβs leadership tasked with overseeing programs for senior citizens.
Her appointment, however, quickly drew attention online due to her previous role as a witness against Vice President Sara Duterte in connection with allegations involving the use of funds within DepEd during Duterteβs tenure as education secretary.
The development triggered mixed reactions on social media, with some users viewing the appointment as recognition of Mercadoβs experience in public service, while others questioned its timing following her testimony in the high-profile controversy.
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque also weighed in, raising concerns over the designation.
βSinipa ni Inday Sara Duterte sa DepEd, ngayon ay Commissioner na ng National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC). Paldong paldo pagkatapos maging tanim witness,β Roque said.
Mercado was among the resource persons who testified in proceedings related to the allegations against Duterte during her time at DepEd.
