CA rushes to confirm 360 officials in 12 days

House Rep. Johnny Pimentel, Transport Sec. Vince Dizon and DICT Sec. Henry Rhoel Aguda

MANILA, Philippines — The bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA) will have to rush through 360 presidential appointees, including 294 high-ranking military officials and 58 senior foreign service officers, before the 19th Congress adjourns sine die on June 13.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, CA assistant minority leader, on Sunday said the commission was gearing up for a packed schedule when Congress resumes session on June 2.

The representative, however, did not explain why the CA had to rush through the appointments in 12 days, although the body released its last batch of confirmations in February.

But the number is not overwhelming since the CA had previously released confirmations in batches, particularly in the cases of military officials above the rank of colonel.

READ: CA to still hold hearings on 3 Cabinet members

The Surigao del Sur governor-elect said five separate CA committees would convene on June 3 and June 4 to start deliberations on President Marcos’ key appointees.

“We are set to tackle the confirmation of 360 appointees and nominees in the coming days,” Pimentel said.

Among those set for confirmation on June 3 are Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jaybee Ruiz.

Also set for confirmation on June 4 are Civil Service Commission commissioner Luis Meinrado Pañgulayan, Commission on Audit commissioner Douglas Michael Mallillin, and Commission on Elections commissioners Noli Pipo and Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal.

But, aside from Cabinet officials and officials of constitutional commissions, most of the confirmations will deal with the appointments of military and diplomatic officials.

All pending processed

“Our understanding is that Senate President Francis Escudero wants all pending appointments processed before Congress adjourns sine die on June 13,” he added.

Appointees not confirmed when the 19th Congress adjourns on June 13 will be considered “bypassed” and will have to be reappointed by the President.

Bypassed nominees will have to undergo a new process by the new CA to be constituted by the incoming 20th Congress.

A total of 294 high-ranking military officers will also undergo multiple hearings scheduled on June 4, June 10, and June 11, while 58 senior foreign service officers will undergo confirmation proceedings on June 11.

Pimentel pointed out that CA caucuses and plenary sessions have been scheduled for June 3, June 4, June 10, and June 11 to facilitate the confirmation process.

The CA, made up of 12 senators and 12 House members with the Senate President as ex-officio presiding officer, is constitutionally mandated to confirm or reject key presidential appointments based on merit and integrity. /cb