Georgetown alumni group backs Martinez

The Georgetown Club of the Philippines Foundation and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines have recommended to President Arroyo the appointment of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) commissioner Jesus E.G. Martinez as the next chairman of the regulatory agency.

The President’s alumni group in Georgetown University pitched in for the SEC commissioner on the strength of his qualification and good reputation as the groundswell of support for Martinez continues even across party lines.

Georgetown Club president Ernesto V. Romero wrote the letter of recommendation for Martinez citing his "academic background and integrity" as well as his "expertise in Corporate Law "that would come in handy in directing the SEC "to conform to ever-changing needs of the corporate world."

Also backing Martinez was the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Negros chapter which passed a resolution supporting him.

Earlier, Martinez, got the full backing of 15 congressmen from Negros, Bohol, Siquijor and Cebu as the solons backed the SEC official regardless of party affiliation.

Led by Negros Oriental 3rd district congressman Herminio Teves, the solons said they "strongly endorse" to President Arroyo the appointment of Martinez as the next head once the position becomes "vacant soon." SEC Chairman Lilia Bautista is expected to retire this March.

Those who also endorsed the appointment of Martinez were Jacinto Paras and Emilio Macias II of Negros Oriental, Edgar Chatto, Roberto Cajes and Eladio Jala of Bohol, Jose Gullas, Simeon Kintanar Jr., Antonio Yapha Jr., Clavel Martinez, Joseph "Ace" Durano and Nerissa Corazon Soon-Ruiz of the province of Cebu Raul del Mar and Antonio Cuenco of Cebu City and Orlando Fua Jr. of Siquijor.

Crossing party lines, the 15 lawmakers said Martinez "serves the SEC with integrity."

They said Martinez’s "expertise in corporate law, his excellent academic background, his leadership in various professional organizations and his anti-corruption advocacies will be instrumental in transforming the SEC into a more dynamic and credible watchdog of corporate malpractices."