The Commission on Appointments (CA) bypassed on Wednesday, June 1, the ad interim appointments of five officials picked by President Rodrigo Duterte for civil service, elections, and audit commissions.
The recent appointment who did not get the CA’s approval were:
- Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson Saidamen Pangarungan
- Comelec Commissioner George Garcia
- Comelec Commissioner Aimee Torrefranca-Neri
- Commission on Audit Chairperson Rizalina Justol
- Civil Service Commision Chairperson Karlo Nograles
The committee hearing was adjourned in no less than 30 minutes without a quorum.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said in the last CA hearing that some senators want incoming president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to select the next officials of the constitutional bodies.
However, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa hoped that Duterte’s decision would be respected despite his term ending on June 30.
“Kung mayroong issues man ‘yung members ng CA, let’s take it case by case, hindi ‘yung wholesale na sabihin niyo wag natin i-hear ‘yan at pagbigyan natin ang incoming administration,” he said.
“For what reason? On merits tayo, pag-usapan natin merito ng mga nominees na ’to kung ‘di sila karapat-dapat, case by case,” he added.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a long term friend of the President, said he “ would have voted in favor of this ad interim appointment.”
The 18th Congress will adjourn on Friday, June 3.
In a June 2 statement, Malacañang said it respects the authority of the CA to scrutinize presidential appointments.
“We recognize the power vested by the Constitution in the Commission on Appointments and further respect its authority to confirm appointments made by the President,” Acting Palace Spokesperson Martin Andanar said. – Report from Eunice Samonte/ AG– gb
